International Day of Forest 2025: What is India's Role in the Conservation of Forest?

Forests serve as the lungs of our planet, offering oxygen, food, medicine, and livelihoods to millions. Beyond their ecological importance, forests are integral to global food security, supplying essential resources such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat that sustain indigenous and rural communities.

To recognise the significance of forests and promote their conservation, March 21 is the International Day of Forests (IDF). Established by the United Nations in 2012, this annual event highlights the importance of trees and forests while encouraging efforts to safeguard them. 

 International Day of Forests🌲🌲 2025

India's Integrated Vision for Forests, Food, and Sustainability

Every year on March 21, the world celebrates the #InternationaldayofForests of Forests to celebrate all types of forests, recognize the importance of trees and forests, and… pic.twitter.com/e5IgH0Npmg

— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 20, 2025

Significance and Theme of the International Day of Forests 2025

The theme for the International Day of Forests 2025, "Forests and Foods," underscores the essential connection between forests and global food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods. Forests are not only a direct source of food but also contribute to economic well-being by providing fuel, employment, and income. Additionally, they play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility, preserving water resources, and supporting biodiversity, including vital pollinators that sustain ecosystems.

For millions worldwide, particularly in Indigenous communities, forests represent more than just a food source—they embody a way of life. Beyond their ecological and cultural significance, forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, thereby helping mitigate climate change.

The year 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). To commemorate this milestone, FAO will host special events alongside the International Day of Forests, showcasing innovative strategies and best practices aimed at building a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global food system.

In India, forests play a crucial role in cultural heritage, economic development, and biodiversity conservation. Recognising their importance, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other government bodies have implemented several initiatives linking forests with food security, nutrition, and livelihoods.

National Agroforestry Policy

Agroforestry integrates trees and crops to enhance agricultural productivity, improve soil fertility, and provide an additional income source for farmers. The National Agroforestry Policy (2014) was introduced to promote tree plantations on farmland, ensuring sustainability and economic benefits.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Promote agroforestry as a strategy for climate resilience and environmental conservation.
• Enhance farmers' income through tree-based farming systems.
• Strengthen rural livelihoods and reduce dependency on conventional agriculture.

Implementation Strategy

• Establishment of Quality Planting Material (QPM) production units through nurseries and tissue culture facilities.
• Technical support, certification, and training are provided by the ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI).
• Collaboration with ICFRE, CSIR, ICRAF, and state agricultural universities for research and training.

Market and Economic Support

• Price guarantees and buyback options for agroforestry products to ensure profitability.
• Encouraging private sector participation in marketing and processing.
• Integration with millet promotion, as millets thrive in agroforestry systems.

Funding and Support

• Financial assistance for nurseries and research projects.
• Support for farmers to adopt agroforestry techniques.

Green India Mission (GIM)

The Green India Mission (GIM), part of India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), was launched in 2015-16 to protect, restore, and enhance forest cover while addressing climate change.

Mission Goals

• Expand forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares and improve 5 million hectares of degraded land.
• Enhance ecosystem services like carbon storage, water conservation, and biodiversity protection.
• Improve livelihoods for 3 million households by boosting income from forest-based activities.

Sub-Missions

Ecosystem Services Improvement Project (ESIP)

GIM collaborates with the World Bank on the Ecosystem Services Improvement Project (ESIP) in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to promote eco-restoration.

Funding and Expenditure

• Rs. 909.82 crores are allocated to 17 states and one Union Territory for plantation activities covering 155,130 hectares.
• In Maharashtra's Palghar district, 464.20 hectares were restored under GIM.

Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme

This Centrally Sponsored Scheme provides financial aid to states and Union Territories for preventing and managing forest fires.

Objectives

• Reduce forest fire incidents and restore affected areas.
• Involve local communities in fire prevention.
• Develop fire danger rating systems and forecasting methods.
• Use modern technology (Remote Sensing, GPS, GIS) for early fire detection.

Implementation

• The National Action Plan on Forest Fire (NAPFF) was developed following recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee and NGT.
• Forest Survey of India (FSI) manages a satellite-based Forest Fire Monitoring & Alert System to provide real-time alerts.
• Alerts are sent via SMS and email to ensure timely response.

Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)

Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs & TRIFED, the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) aims to enhance tribal livelihoods by adding value to Minor Forest Produce (MFPs).

Formation of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)

Two-Stage Implementation

1. Stage I: Establishment of 6,000 Kendras with basic facilities.
2. Stage II: Scaling up successful Kendras with improved infrastructure.

Impact and Benefits

• Enhances tribal incomes through sustainable forest-based businesses.
• Encourages conservation of forest resources.
• Reduces migration by creating local employment.
• Strengthens the tribal economy and promotes self-reliance.

Conclusion

India’s commitment to forest conservation and sustainable development is reflected in key initiatives like the National Agroforestry Policy, Green India Mission, Forest Fire Prevention & Management Scheme, and Van Dhan Yojana. These programs not only help restore and protect forest ecosystems but also contribute to livelihood security, climate resilience, and food security.

On International Day of Forests 2025, it is essential to reaffirm our dedication to preserving forests for future generations. By integrating conservation efforts with community participation and sustainable policies, India continues to lead the way toward a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future.