India Emphasizes Forest Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management

India recently showcased its commitment to forest conservation during the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20) held at the UN Headquarters in New York from May 5 to 9, 2025. The Indian delegation highlighted significant advancements in sustainable forest management and reiterated its dedication to achieving the Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs) outlined in the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030. With a reported increase in forest and tree cover, India emphasized its ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing its forest resources.

Progress in Forest Conservation

During the UNFF20, India reported a notable increase in its forest and tree cover, which now accounts for 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, according to the latest India State of Forest Report. This achievement is attributed to several national initiatives, including the restoration of land under the Aravalli Green Wall and a 7.86% increase in mangrove cover over the past decade. Additionally, the Green India Mission has facilitated the afforestation of over 1.55 lakh hectares, while the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) campaign has successfully planted 1.4 billion seedlings. These efforts reflect India’s commitment to sustainable forest management and its proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges.

International Collaboration for Big Cat Conservation

A significant highlight of India’s participation was the invitation extended to all UN Member States to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). This global platform, initiated by India, aims to support the conservation of seven big cat species through collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building initiatives. The Indian delegation emphasized the importance of international cooperation in wildlife conservation, particularly for species that face threats from habitat loss and climate change. The IBCA represents a strategic effort to unite nations in the fight against biodiversity loss and promote sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and ecosystems.

Global Action on Forest Management Initiatives

The Indian delegation also called for global action on the outcomes of the Country-Led Initiative (CLI) hosted by India in Dehradun in October 2023. This initiative focused on critical issues such as forest fire management and forest certification. India acknowledged the contributions of other nations, including the Republic of Congo, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Austria, in advancing the CLI efforts. The Indian representatives stressed the need to integrate CLI outcomes into formal global mechanisms to effectively address priority forestry issues and enhance international collaboration in forest management.

Showcasing Sustainable Practices and Ecosystem Valuation

India hosted a side event titled “Restoring Degraded Forest Landscapes: India’s Approach to Sustainable Forest Management and Climate Resilience.” This event highlighted India’s integrated approach to forest restoration, which combines policy innovation, resource convergence, community engagement, and technology for monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, India participated in a high-level panel discussing the valuation of forest ecosystems in national policy. The delegation shared findings from pilot studies conducted in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and various tiger reserves, which quantified ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. India emphasized the importance of incorporating ecosystem valuation into national planning to ensure informed governance and long-term ecological sustainability. The Indian delegation to UNFF20 was led by Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests and Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

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