Forests, due to their rich biodiversity, provide immense ecological, economic, and social values. Recently, a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) titled, “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Forestry Report” highlighted the importance of integrating biodiversity into production forests. This process, dubbed ‘Mainstreaming Biodiversity’, seeks to incorporate biodiversity considerations into policies, strategies, and practices of key public and private actors. The objective is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
The Threats to Mainstreaming Biodiversity
Several factors pose significant challenges to the mainstreaming of biodiversity globally. Deforestation continues at an alarming pace, with an estimated 10 million ha per year being cleared mainly for agricultural expansion. The issue is particularly concerning in lower-income tropical countries.
Illegal timber harvesting represents another significant threat, accounting for 15–30% of global timber production. In addition, conservation often carries a low profile outside of protected areas. Many developing nations grapple with enforcing forest and biodiversity regulations due to insufficient capacity. Lack of active participation from indigenous people and local communities, coupled with weak governance and law enforcement, present significant stumbling blocks behind biodiversity conservation in protected areas.
The Importance of Forest Conservation
Forests that are managed primarily for economic benefits carry significant implications for biodiversity conservation. Covering 31% of the world’s land surface, they store an estimated 296 gigatonnes of carbon and host most of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity. They provide habitats for about 80% of amphibian species, 75% of bird species, and 68% of mammal species. Additionally, about 60% of all vascular plants occur in tropical forests. Recognising this vital role, in 2019, the FAO adopted the Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors.
State of Forest and Biodiversity Conservation in India
In India, forest and tree cover together account for 21.71% of the country’s geographical area. This is an increase from 21.67% in 2019, according to the India State of Forest Report, 2021, demonstrating progress in forest conservation efforts.
Indian law includes several constitutional provisions and policies to protect forests and biodiversity. These include the Indian Forest Policy (1952), Forest Conservation Act (1980), National Forest Policy(1988), National Afforestation Programme, Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, Environment Protection Act of 1986, Biodiversity Diversity Act of 2002, and others. The laws highlight the state’s responsibility and citizens’ fundamental duty to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
Recommendations from the FAO Report
The report made several recommendations to enhance biodiversity conservation. Key among these are recognising forest tenure of Indigenous peoples and local communities, preventing conversion of natural forests into monospecific plantations and ensuring sustainable management of harvested species. It also recommends adopting a multisectoral perspective by mainstreaming biodiversity across land-use sectors, providing economic incentives, and facilitating market-based instruments.
A Way Forward
To promote biodiversity conservation, the integration of multi-stakeholder approaches that cross sectoral boundaries is paramount. Mainstreaming biodiversity in forestry involves prioritising forest policies, plans, programmes, projects and investments that positively impact biodiversity at the ecosystem, species, and genetic levels. This approach will require active participation from all stakeholders, from indigenous communities to private corporate entities.
