Recognised on March 21 annually, the International Day of Forests or World Forests Day plays a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of forests and trees for both humanity’s survival and the wellness of our planet. The theme for its year-long campaign in 2023 is ‘Forests and Health.’
Tracing the History of International Day of Forests
The inception of the International Day of Forests dates back to 1971, initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) when it launched World Forestry Day. This day focuses on spreading awareness about the relevance of forests for human life and the planet’s well-being. Later, during 2011, the United Nations declared the decade between 2011 to 2020 as the International Decade of Forests. This initiative aimed to promote the conservation, sustainable management, and development of all forest types. In 2012, the International Day of Forests was officially established.
An Overview of India’s Forest Status
According to the India State of Forest Report-2021, the country saw an increase in forest and tree cover by 2,261 square kilometres compared to the previous assessment in 2019. India’s total forest and tree cover amounts to 80.9 million hectares, covering 24.62% of the country’s geographical area. The report revealed that 17 states and Union Territories retained forest cover of over 33% of their region. Madhya Pradesh had the most extensive forest cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. In terms of forest cover relative to the total geographical area, Mizoram topped with 84.53%, succeeded by Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland respectively.
Significance of Forests in India
Forests, which cover one-third of the Earth’s land area, play a crucial role in managing the hydrological cycle, regulating climate, and preserving biodiversity. India is a biodiversity hotspot, housing diverse plant and animal species endemic to its forests. Forests also contribute to poverty alleviation by providing over 86 million green jobs globally. Tribal communities, forming an integral part of the forest eco-system, rely on forests for their livelihood. Moreover, industries such as silk worm rearing, toy making, plywood, paper, and pulp heavily depend on the forest resources.
Issues Confronting Forests in India
Despite their importance, forests in India face several challenges. Biodiversity is at risk due to deforestation and harmful human activities. The sharp decrease in forest cover is another challenge; according to the National Forest Policy of India, at least 33% of the country’s total geographical area should be forested to maintain ecological balance. However, the current coverage is just 24.62%. Climate change has caused numerous disturbances leading to reduction in forest productivity and change in species distribution. Resource access conflict between local communities and commercial interests also pose severe problems.
Proposed Solutions for Forest Management in India
Implementing comprehensive forest conservation strategies encompassing protection measures, surveys, tribal-friendly policies, and sustainable wildlife health measures are crucial. Maintaining dedicated forest corridors can ensure safe migration of wild animals and minimise human-animal conflicts. Resource mapping and forest optimisation can help exploit untapped forest areas scientifically, ensuring resource extraction doesn’t hamper forest health. Encouraging tribals as ‘forest entrepreneurs’ may also pave the way for sustainable commercialisation of forests while safeguarding their interests.