Global Forest Watch (GFW) | 23 Apr 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the latest data from the Global Forest Watch (GFW) monitoring project has revealed that India has lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since the year 2000.

• This loss amounts to a 6% decrease in tree cover during this period.

What are the Key Findings of Global Forest Watch (GFW)?

• Total Loss: The GFW data reveals that India lost a staggering 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest (approximately 4.1% of the total tree cover) between 2002 and 2023.
  • A primary forest is a forest that hasn’t been damaged by human activity.
• Carbon Impact: Over the same period (from 2001 to 2022), Indian forests emitted 51 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually while simultaneously removing 141 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
  • This net carbon balance represents a carbon sink of approximately 89.9 million tons annually.
• Natural Forests: A striking 95% of the tree cover loss in India between 2013 and 2023 occurred within natural forests.
• Peak Years: Notably, the maximum tree cover loss of 189,000 hectares occurred in 2017, followed by 175,000 hectares in 2016, and 144,000 hectares in 2023—the highest in the last six years.
• State-Level Impact: Five states accounted for 60% of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023.
  • Assam experienced the highest tree cover loss at 324,000 hectares (compared to an average of 66,600 hectares).
  • Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur also faced significant losses.
• Impact of Forest Fire: Fires were responsible for 1.6% of tree cover loss in India between 2001 and 2022.
  • The year 2008 recorded the maximum tree cover loss due to fires, amounting to 3,000 hectares.
  • From 2001 to 2022, Odisha had the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires with an average of 238 hectares lost per year.
• Tree Cover Loss and Climate Change: Forests play a dual role, acting as a sink by absorbing carbon dioxide when standing or regrowing, and as a source when cleared or degraded.
  • The loss of forests accelerates climate change by releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.

What are the Major Forest Conservation Initiatives in India?

• Forest Cover in India:
  • The Forest Survey of India (FSI) has been conducting biennial (once every two years) assessments of forest cover since 1987, and the findings are published in the India State of Forest Report (ISFR).
  • As per the latest assessment in ISFR 2021, India's total forest and tree cover stands at 8,09,537 square kilometres, which accounts for 24.62% of the country's geographical area.
  • Notably, this represents an increase of 2261 square kilometres compared to the ISFR 2019 assessment, indicating positive strides in forest conservation efforts.
• Government Initiatives to Boost Forest Cover:
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): It was launched in 2008 and aimed at creating awareness among the representatives of the public, different agencies of government, scientists, industry, and communities on the threat posed by climate change and the steps to counter it.
    • National Mission for Green India: It is one of the eight Missions outlined under the NAPCC.
      • It aims at protecting; restoring and enhancing India's diminishing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.
  • Nagar Van Yojana (NVY): Launched in 2020, NVY aims to create 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatika in urban and peri-urban areas by 2024-25.
    • The initiative intends to enhance the green cover, preserve biological diversity, and improve the quality of life for urban dwellers.
  • Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Utilised by States/UTs for compensatory afforestation to offset forest land diversion for developmental projects.
    • 90% of the CAF money is to be given to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre.
  • Multi-Departmental Efforts: Apart from the central initiatives, afforestation activities are taken up under various programs and schemes of line Ministries, State Governments/UT Administrations, Non-Government Organizations, Civil Society, and Corporate bodies.
    • Some notable efforts include participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, National Bamboo Mission, and Sub-Mission on Agroforestry.
  • Draft National Forest Policy: A draft National Forest Policy was released in 2019.
    • The basic thrust of the draft is the conservation, protection and management of forests along with safeguarding the interest of tribals and forest-dependent people.