NOTE4STUDENTS:

Among the topics that often get overlooked, biodiversity and forest conservation are crucial for GS Paper 3 but tend to be neglected. In this article, we dive into the key findings from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, along with government initiatives under Back2Basics, to offer insights that could make a big difference in your exam preparation. The Article also defines important terms, like forest cover, tree cover, and mangrove cover, giving you the terminology you need to sound knowledgeable and precise in your answers. While most candidates rush through data-heavy content, this article emphasizes the value of information such as the loss of forest cover in the Western Ghats or the expansion of bamboo areas, which can directly be used to answer questions on environmental policy and its effects. It’s the type of content that often gets left out, but is exactly what the UPSC is looking for—real facts and figures.

PYQ ANCHORING

GS 3: How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (2018)

MICROTHEMES : Biodiversity

Recently, the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 has been released by the Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. The report, published biennially by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) since 1987, provides an in-depth assessment of forest and tree resources based on remote sensing data and field surveys. The recently released report is the 18th report in the series. 

India State Of Forest Report

The report provides comprehensive data on forest cover, tree cover, mangroves, growing stock, carbon stock, forest fires, and agroforestry.

KEY TERMS

FINDINGS OF THE REPORT

Concerns Highlighted

1. Loss of Forest Cover in the Western Ghats: For the first time, the 2023 forest report assessed forest cover in the Western Ghats. Shockingly, eco-sensitive zones in this region have lost 58.22 sq km of forest since 2013.
2. Decline in Dense Forests: India has lost around 24,651 sq km of dense forests since 2003, about 6.3% of their total area. From 2021 alone, 3,913 sq km of dense forests were lost—an area larger than Goa.
3. Shrinking Mangroves: Mangrove forests, known for their resilience to disasters, decreased by 7.43 sq km compared to 2021. Gujarat saw the largest loss at 36 sq km, followed by Andaman and Nicobar Islands losing 4.65 sq km.
4. Decline in Northeast Forests: Forest cover in Northeast India continues to decline, with a loss of 327.30 sq km in 2023.
5. Falling Short of National Forest Goals: The 1988 National Forest Policy set a goal of having one-third (33%) of India’s land under forest or tree cover. Currently, the figure is just 25.17%, leaving much to be achieved.
6. The Plantation vs. Natural Forest Debate:While plantation areas are growing, they often consist of single-species trees, making them prone to pests, fires, and diseases. Natural forests, by contrast, are rich in biodiversity, store more carbon, and stabilize ecosystems. Experts warn against depending too much on plantations as a substitute for natural forests.

Key Reasons Behind India’s Growing Forest Cover

The India State of Forest Report 2023 highlights several factors that have contributed to the rise in forest cover across the country:

1. Afforestation Programs:
   Large-scale tree-planting drives under schemes like the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and Green India Mission (GIM) have played a major role in expanding forest areas.
2. Agroforestry Practices:
   Farmers are increasingly growing trees alongside crops through programs like the Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF), which has boosted tree cover.
3. Community Efforts:
   Local communities actively participate in reforestation through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), strengthening conservation efforts.
4. Advanced Technology:
   Remote sensing and forest monitoring tools have improved forest management and helped restore degraded areas efficiently.
5. Awareness and Ecotourism:
   Rising awareness about biodiversity and climate change, along with CSR-driven afforestation initiatives, has encouraged more people to join conservation programs, adding to the country’s green cover.

Way Forward

1. Incentives for Tree Planting:
   Financial support, tax breaks, and subsidies can encourage individuals and organizations to plant trees. For example, China’s Grain-for-Green Program pays farmers to convert agricultural land into forests.
2. Restoring Degraded Land:
   Degraded areas can be revitalized through techniques like soil improvement and watershed management. Ethiopia’s Tigray Reforestation Project demonstrates how terracing and tree planting can transform arid land.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
   Collaborating with businesses and NGOs can bring funding and expertise to green projects. Japan’s Toyota Green Wave Project supports forest restoration efforts through such partnerships.
4. Seed Banks and Nurseries:
   Setting up seed banks and nurseries ensures access to high-quality planting materials. The UK’s Millennium Seed Bank Project preserves seeds for future reforestation needs.

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 offers essential data on forest conservation and helps policymakers, researchers, and environmentalists support sustainable natural resource management.

#BACK2BASICS : STEPS TAKEN BY INDIA OVER THE YEARS