Kerala has emerged as a leader in forest cover growth in India, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023. The report marks that Kerala recorded increase in both forest and tree cover over the past decade. This achievement is crucial in the context of environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation.
Kerala’s Forest Cover Statistics
Between 2013 and 2023, Kerala saw an increase of 133.42 square kilometres in total forest cover. This represents a growth rate of 19.99%. The state ranks third in tree cover relative to its geographical area, with 7.48%. The recorded forest area in Kerala spans 11,522 square kilometres, making up 29.66% of its total geographical area.
Growing Stock and Management
Kerala boasts the second-highest per hectare growing stock in India, measuring 179.78 cubic metres. Growing stock refers to the total volume of living trees and is essential for sustainable forest management and timber production.
Changes in Mangrove and Bamboo Cover
The state’s mangrove cover has seen a slight increase, now covering 9.45 square kilometres. The bamboo-bearing area has also expanded by 1.62%, reaching 2,443 square kilometres. These figures indicate a positive trend in specific forest categories despite challenges in other areas.
District-Level Variations
Forest cover changes vary across districts. Idukki, located in the Western Ghats, recorded a decrease of 97.94 square kilometres in forest cover. Conversely, Kozhikode experienced an increase of 124.21 square kilometres, followed by Malappuram with an increase of 99.98 square kilometres. This disparity puts stress on the need for targeted conservation efforts.
National Context of Forest Cover
On a national scale, India reported a net gain of 156 square kilometres in forest cover since 2021. However, there was a complete loss of 3,656 square kilometres of dense forests during the same period. The government has noted that tree patches smaller than one hectare are classified separately as tree cover, which now spans 1,12,014 square kilometres.
Quality of Forests in India
India’s forests are classified into three categories based on canopy density – very dense forest (VDF), moderate dense forest (MDF), and open forest (OF). The report indicates that 294.75 square kilometres of VDF and 3,361.5 square kilometres of MDF transitioned to non-forest status between 2021 and 2023, denoting ongoing challenges in forest conservation.
Trends in Agroforestry
The ISFR 2023 also noted that 21 states and union territories showed an increasing trend in tree cover, indicative of agroforestry promotion. Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh lead in this positive development, suggesting a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices.
Future Steps for Conservation
To address the loss of dense forests, India must enhance its conservation strategies. This includes improving forest management practices and promoting community involvement in forest preservation. Continued monitoring and research are vital for understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems.
Questions for UPSC –
- Critically analyse the impact of forest cover loss on biodiversity and climate change in India.
- What are the implications of Kerala’s forest cover growth for regional ecological balance? Explain.
- What is the significance of growing stock in forest management? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Comment on the role of agroforestry in enhancing tree cover in India. What measures can be taken to promote it further?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of forest cover loss on biodiversity and climate change in India.
- Loss of forest cover leads to habitat destruction, threatening numerous species and reducing biodiversity.
- Forests act as carbon sinks; their loss contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
- Reduction in forest cover affects water cycles, leading to altered rainfall patterns and increased risk of floods and droughts.
- Fragmentation of forests disrupts ecological balance, affecting food chains and ecosystem services.
- Loss of forests can lead to soil erosion and degradation, further impacting agriculture and livelihoods.
2. What are the implications of Kerala’s forest cover growth for regional ecological balance? Explain.
- Increased forest cover enhances biodiversity, providing habitats for various flora and fauna.
- Healthy forests in Kerala contribute to improved air and water quality, benefiting local communities.
- Forest growth aids in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change effects regionally.
- Expansion of forest cover can stabilize soil and prevent erosion, enhancing agricultural productivity in surrounding areas.
- Kerala’s forest growth can serve as a model for sustainable practices, encouraging conservation efforts in neighboring regions.
3. What is the significance of growing stock in forest management? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Growing stock indicates the volume of living trees, essential for assessing forest health and productivity.
- High growing stock, like Kerala’s 179.78 cubic metres per hectare, suggests sustainable timber production potential.
- It aids in planning for forest regeneration and management, ensuring resources are used sustainably.
- Monitoring growing stock helps in evaluating the impact of conservation efforts and changes in land use.
- Examples include using growing stock data to manage logging practices and to implement reforestation initiatives effectively.
4. Comment on the role of agroforestry in enhancing tree cover in India. What measures can be taken to promote it further?
- Agroforestry integrates trees with agricultural practices, enhancing biodiversity and improving soil health.
- It provides additional income sources for farmers through timber, fruits, and other forest products.
- Agroforestry can improve microclimates, benefiting crop yields and resilience against climate change.
- Promotion of agroforestry can be achieved through government incentives, training programs, and community engagement.
- Policy support for agroforestry initiatives can encourage sustainable land-use practices and increase tree cover nationwide.
