Annually, the United Nations (UN) commemorates the International Day of Forests (IDF) on 21st March, followed by World Water Day on the subsequent day, i.e., 22nd March. These days were globally recognized to encourage and celebrate conservation and the sustainable use of our essential natural resources like water and forests.
About the International Day of Forests
In 2012, the UN declared 21st March as IDF to promote and generate awareness about the significance of all types of forests. The UN urges countries to initiate local, national and international activities associated with forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns. The organisers include the UN Forum on Forests and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN, collaborating with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and other organisations relevant to this field. The theme for 2022 is ‘Forests and sustainable production and consumption.’
The Importance of Forests
Forests provide numerous environmental benefits as they cover one-third of the Earth’s land surface. Their primary function is to maintain the hydrological cycle balance, contribute to climate regulation and conserve biodiversity. From an economic perspective, forest resources can significantly boost a nation’s economic growth and maintain forest cover for various agricultural and forestry-related activities. Forests also provide over 86 million green jobs and support many people’s livelihoods.
Everyone on the planet has some form of interaction with forests, including communities relying directly on these ecosystems for their survival or those who depend on products derived from forests. Forest sustainable management and resource use are critical in mitigating climate change and contributing to present and future generations’ prosperity and well-being. Despite their invaluable environmental, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues alarmingly. The FAO estimated that annual global deforestation was around 10 million hectares between 2015 and 2020.
The State of Forests in India
India’s State of Forest Report 2021 disclosed that the country has 3,07,120 square kilometres of open forest area, which has increased by 4,203 sq km from 2019 to 2021. Including scrub land (46,539 sq km), the total is 3,53,659 sq km, constituting 10.76% of degraded forest and scrub land in India. Considering only the forest area, it accounts for 43.03%. The report indicated a continuous rise in the country’s forest cover. However, experts were concerned about some aspects such as declining forest cover in the Northeast and degradation of natural forests.
Government Initiatives for Forests in India
Several significant initiatives have been undertaken by the Government for forest conservation. These include the National Mission for a Green India, launched in February 2014 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aimed at safeguarding the biological resources of the nation against adverse climate change.
The National Afforestation Programme (NAP) has been implemented since 2000 for afforestation of degraded forest lands. Another initiative is the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA Funds), launched in 2016, where 90% of the fund is allocated to the states, and 10% is retained by the Centre. The funds can be used for various purposes, including treatment of catchment areas, forest management, wildlife protection and managing human-wildlife conflicts.
The National Action Programme to Combat Desertification, prepared in 2001, addresses issues of increasing desertification. Finally, the Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme (FFPM) is a centrally funded program specifically dedicated to assisting states in dealing with forest fires.
Recognising these International Days provides an opportunity to appreciate and raise awareness about our forests and the crucial role they play in sustainably managing the world’s resources. It is also essential to realise the significant initiatives taken by governments to aid in the conservation of these vital resources.