The world celebrates International Day of Forests on March 21, 2025, highlighting the importance of forests and their role in food security and livelihoods. The theme for 2025 is “Forests and Food”, emphasizing the deep connection between forests and nutrition. Forests are the lifelines of our planet, playing a crucial role in oxygen production, food supply, medicinal resources, and livelihoods for millions worldwide. Beyond their ecological significance, forests support global food security by providing essential resources such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat for indigenous and rural communities. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) established the International Day of Forests (IDF) to raise awareness about forest conservation and sustainability.

History of the International Day of Forests

• Established in 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly.
• Aims to raise global awareness about forest conservation.
• Each year, a new theme is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests.
• Encourages individuals, communities, and governments to undertake initiatives to restore and protect forest ecosystems.

Forests in India: Their Role in Ecology and Economy

India’s forests are deeply intertwined with its culture, economy, and biodiversity. Protecting these natural resources is not just an environmental necessity but also a fundamental responsibility. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched several initiatives linking forests to food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.

Government Initiatives for Forest Conservation in India

1. National Agroforestry Policy (2014)

Overview

Agroforestry is a sustainable land-use system integrating trees and crops to enhance agricultural productivity, improve soil fertility, and offer additional income sources to farmers. Recognizing its potential, the Government of India introduced the National Agroforestry Policy in 2014.

Objectives

• Encourages climate-resilient agroforestry practices.
• Promotes environmental conservation.
• Provides economic benefits to farmers.

Implementation Strategy

• Quality Planting Material (QPM) is distributed via nurseries and tissue culture units.
• The ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI) acts as the nodal agency.
• Collaboration with institutions like ICFRE, CSIR, ICRAF, and State Agricultural Universities.

Economic and Market Support

• Price guarantees and buy-back options for farm-grown trees.
• Encourages private sector participation in marketing and processing.
• Supports millet cultivation as part of tree-based farming systems.

Funding & Support

• Financial assistance for nursery establishment and research projects.

2. Green India Mission (GIM)

Overview

The Green India Mission (GIM), also known as the National Mission for a Green India, is a core part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It focuses on expanding forest cover, enhancing biodiversity, and tackling climate change.

Mission Goals

• Expand forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares (mha).
• Improve quality of another 5 mha of forests.
• Boost ecosystem services like carbon storage, water resources, and biodiversity.
• Enhance livelihoods for 3 million households.

Sub-Missions

1. Enhancing Forest Cover – Improving forest quality and ecosystem services.
2. Ecosystem Restoration – Reforesting degraded lands.
3. Urban Greening – Increasing green cover in urban areas.
4. Agroforestry & Social Forestry – Creating carbon sinks and promoting biomass production.
5. Wetland Restoration – Reviving critical wetlands.

Ecosystem Services Improvement Project (ESIP)

• A World Bank-backed project in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to enhance forest-based livelihoods.

Funding & Expenditure

• Rs. 909.82 crores allocated for plantation and eco-restoration across 17 states and one Union Territory.
• Maharashtra’s Palghar district: 464.20 hectares covered under the mission.

3. Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme

Overview

A Centrally Sponsored Scheme that assists states and Union Territories in preventing and managing forest fires.

Objectives

• Reduce forest fire incidents.
• Restore forest productivity in affected areas.
• Develop fire danger rating systems and forecasting methods.
• Utilize Remote Sensing, GPS, and GIS technologies for fire prevention.

Implementation

• National Action Plan on Forest Fire developed.
• Forest Fire Monitoring & Alert System by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
• Crisis Management Group established under the Secretary (EF&CC).

4. Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)

Overview

Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED, this scheme enhances tribal livelihoods by improving the value of forest produce.

Formation of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)

• Each VDVK consists of 300 members from 15 Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Serves as hubs for processing, value addition, and marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs).

Financial Support & Implementation

• ₹15 lakh allocated per Kendra.
• Tribal contribution: ₹1,000 per member.
• Government support for branding, packaging, and global market access.

Two-Stage Implementation

1. Stage I: 6,000 Kendras established across tribal districts.
2. Stage II: Scaling up successful Kendras with better storage and processing units.

Impact & Benefits

• Sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
• Forest conservation and reduced tribal migration.
• Strengthened tribal economy.

Summary of the news