19th Session of United Nations Forum on Forest

• 21 May 2024

For Prelims: United Nations Forum on Forests, UN's strategic plan for forests (2017-2030), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) , Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

For Mains: Key Takeaways from UNFF19, Revised National Forest Policy Recommendations by India at UNFF19.

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, India participated in the 19^th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) at the UN Headquarters in New York.

• India highlighted its significant advancements in forest conservation and sustainable forest management, leading to a consistent increase in forest cover over the past fifteen years.

What were the Key Takeaways from UNFF19?

• India presented its revised National Forest Policy emphasising forest fire prevention and management through recommendations and technological solutions.
  • According to UNFF, about 100 million hectares of forest or 3% of world’s total forest area are affected by fires each year.
  • India proposes operationalising the Global Fire Management Hub, a collaborative effort by the UNEP and the FAO to share knowledge and experiences in mitigating forest fires.
• India suggests establishing universally accepted standards like Model Forests Act for forest certification programs for consistent and responsible forest management practices worldwide.
• The forum reviewed the UN's strategic plan for forests (2017-2030) and progress made in achieving global forest goals like enhancing forests' economic, social, and environmental benefits and securing finances.
• A UN report highlighted concerns about “Climatisation” of forests, driven by market-oriented approaches for carbon sequestration, reducing forests ecological and social values roles to mere carbon sinks.
• Indonesia presented its Forest and Other Land Use Net Sink 2030 strategy, and Malaysia committed to keeping at least 50% of its territory under tree cover.

What were India’s Highlighted Initiatives in Forest Management at UNFF19?

• India highlighted its success in using technology to manage forest fires.
  • Examples include real-time fire monitoring via remote sensing, online fire reporting through web portals, and utilising ecological methods for restoration.
    • Based on the forest inventory records, 54.40% of forests in India are exposed to occasional fires, 7.49% to moderately frequent fires and 2.40% to high incidence levels.
• Globally, India ranks third in the net gain of average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020.
• India completed its 50 years of Project Tiger and 30 years of Project Elephant, demonstrating its commitment to species conservation and habitat protection.
• India introduced the 'Green Credit Program' to incentivise tree plantation and restoration of degraded forest lands to strengthen climate action initiatives.
• In 2023, India hosted the country-led Initiative under UNFF at Dehradun, attended by representatives from 40 countries and 20 international organisations, focusing on forest fire management and forest certification.

What is the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF)?

• About:
  • The UNFF is an intergovernmental policy forum that promotes “management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests.
  • UNFF was established in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council.
  • The Forum has universal membership.
• Major Global Forest Related Events:
  • 1992: UN Conference on Environment and Development adopts the “Forest Principles” and Agenda 21.
  • 1995: Intergovernmental Panel on Forests (1995) was established to implement the Forest Principles from 1995 to 2000.
  • 2000: UNFF is established as a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council.
  • 2006: UNFF agrees on four Global Objectives on Forests.
    • Reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through sustainable forest management (SFM);
    • Enhance forest-based economic, social and environmental benefits;
    • Increase significantly the area of sustainably managed forests;
    • Reverse the decline in official development assistance for SFM
    • Mobilise increased financial resources for implementation of SFM.
  • 2007: UNFF adopts the UN Non-Legally Binding Instrument on All Types of Forests (Forest Instrument).
  • 2011: The International Year of Forests, “Forests for People”.

What are the Key Facts About the Indian Forest Policy?

• The National Forest Policy, 1894 (Colonial Focus):
  • The policy prioritised timber production and custodial management.
  • Forest classification was introduced, with emphasis on protecting commercially valuable areas.
• The National Forest Policy, 1952 (National Needs):
  • Policy focused on national priorities like land-use management and environmental protection.
  • Emphasised securing resources like timber, pasture, and fuelwood for national development.
• The National Forest Policy, 1988 (Ecological Security):
  • Prioritised environmental stability, biodiversity conservation, and soil and water security.
  • Advocated for large-scale afforestation and social forestry programs.
• Draft National Forest Policy, 2018 (Contemporary Challenges):
  • Proposed revisions to address modern issues like climate change and human-wildlife conflict.
  • Focuses on mitigating climate change and promoting public-private partnerships for forest restoration.

Forest in India:

• As per latest India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, the total forest cover of the country is 7,13,789 square kilometre which is 21.72% of the geographical area of the country.

Conclusion

India's participation at UNFF19 showcased its success in forest conservation and sustainable management. India proposed a comprehensive national forest policy with technological solutions and called for international collaboration through a knowledge-sharing platform. While the High-Level Declaration remains under discussion, UNFF19 emphasised crucial steps towards achieving global forest goals.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Discuss key Indian initiatives regarding forest management. Also, suggest ways for implementing the comprehensive forest management system in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q1. The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative? (2016)

1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity.
2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapes, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities.
3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Q2. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (2021)

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

(c) Ministry of Rural Development

(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Ans-(d)

Q3. A particular State in India has the following characteristics: (2012)

1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of forest cover constitutes the Protected Area Network in this State.

Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?

(a) Arunachal Pradesh

(b) Assam

(c) Himachal Pradesh

(d) Uttarakhand

Ans: (a)

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Mains:

Q. “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (2022)