National Workshop Explores New Tech for Forest Management in India
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently hosted a national workshop titled ‘Leveraging Latest Technologies in Assessment of Forest and Tree Resources’ in New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav, alongside Union MoS Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, bringing together a diverse audience of state forest departments, scientific institutions, and technology experts.
Focused on enhancing the assessment, monitoring, and management of forest and tree resources through innovative technology, the workshop featured three technical sessions discussing crucial topics, including the Digitization of Forest Boundaries, Forest and Tree Cover Assessment, and Estimation of Carbon Stock.
Emphasizing Coexistence with Nature
During his address, Minister Yadav stressed the importance of respecting nature and working towards coexistence with it. He pointed out that harnessing technology is vital for improving data collection on natural resources, bolstering decision-making, and accelerating India’s commitments to climate action, particularly through nature-based solutions.
Yadav highlighted that enhancing carbon sink through increased forest and tree cover aligns with the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target set under the UNFCCC. He acknowledged the Forest Survey of India (FSI) as a key institution in forest conservation and green cover documentation, noting that India has conducted biennial assessments of forest resources since 1987. The results contribute significantly to both national and international reporting.
Standardization and Better Data Management
The Minister advocated for standardization across institutions to ensure coordinated efforts in forest conservation. He emphasized that compensatory afforestation must align with the goals of plantation preservation and enhancing green cover quality. Furthermore, he called for the classification of forest fire-prone areas based on incident frequency to develop targeted prevention strategies.
Yadav also mentioned the significance of wetlands, woodlands, and grasslands in biodiversity conservation, urging a balanced approach toward these ecosystems. He encouraged the use of innovative technologies, emphasizing the need for integrating indigenous techniques and enhancing the skills of forest staff.
Support for Climate Action
In pursuit of a robust India State of Forest Report (ISFR), Yadav highlighted the requirement for high-quality data and the involvement of field experiences in formulating a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure. Achieving India’s ambitious target of creating a 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonne CO₂-equivalent carbon sink by 2035 will depend on technological advancements, strengthened institutional frameworks, effective policies, and community involvement.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting states and Union Territories in increasing forest and tree cover through various initiatives such as the Green India Mission, MISHTI, Nagar Van Yojana, Namo Van, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. The workshop facilitated discussions on technologies and strategies designed to enhance forest governance, support climate initiatives, and ensure sustainable management of India’s natural resources.
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