The World Resources Institute (WRI), a global non-profit organization, recently released a report stating a loss of 4.1 million hectares of primary tropical forests in 2022. This is equivalent to an area of 11 football fields being cleared per minute. Most deforestation, about 96%, happens in tropical regions, which calls for the immediate attention of global leaders.
Understanding the Importance of Primary Forests
Primary forests are distinguished by their dense accumulation of indigenous tree species, limited human interference, and ongoing ecological processes. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) claims that these forests represent roughly 34% of the world’s forested land. These important ecosystems store more carbon and support greater biodiversity than other types of forests, making their loss immensely detrimental.
Report Findings: Forest Loss and Restoration Efforts Falling Short
Despite numerous commitments to reduce deforestation and restore lost forests, the rate of forest loss suggests that efforts are inadequate. A commitment was made at COP26 Glasgow 2021 to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, but the current trends suggest otherwise. Similarly, the Bonn Challenge aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded and lost forests by 2030, requiring a reduction in global deforestation by at least 10% yearly and an increase in tree cover by 22 million hectares annually from 2021 to 2030.
Tree Cover Loss Worldwide and in India
Global tree cover loss, which includes primary, secondary, and planted forests, declined by 10% in 2022, largely due to a 28% decrease in fire-related forest losses. However, non-fire related losses increased slightly less than 1%. In India, 43.9 thousand hectares of humid primary forest were lost between 2021 and 2022, contributing to 17% of the country’s total tree cover loss.
Current Status of Forests in India
According to the India State of Forest Report 2021, forest and tree cover in India account for 24.62% of the country’s geographical area. This includes a forest cover of 21.71% and a tree cover of 2.91%. Madhya Pradesh has the highest forest cover in the country, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. In terms of forest cover relative to total geographic area, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland top the list.
Government Initiatives for Forest Conservation
The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to conserve forests. Some key acts and programs include the Forest Conservation Act (1980), the National Afforestation Programme, the Environment Protection Act (1986), and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (2006).
Addressing Forest Rights and Conservation through Examinations
In the Civil Services Examination, questions related to forest conservation and rights often come up. For instance, in the 2021 Prelims, a question asked which ministry is responsible for implementing the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The correct answer was the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Another question in 2012 aimed at identifying a state with specific characteristics related to forest cover and protected areas, the answer to which was Arunachal Pradesh.
Environmental Laws in India: A Mains Examination Perspective
The Supreme Court’s role in environmental matters has been crucial. Modern law in India has significantly helped in the constitutionalization of environmental issues, an aspect which can be discussed with the help of relevant case laws.