Source: TOI
Context:
India has achieved a major global environmental milestone by moving up to the 9th position worldwide in total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Bali, Indonesia.
Key Highlights:
- India’s Improved Global Ranking:
- Current Rank: 9th globally in total forest area (up from 10th in the previous assessment).
- Issued By: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
- Report Released: Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025.
- Annual Forest Area Gain:
- India continues to hold the 3rd position globally in annual forest area gain, showcasing its strong reforestation and conservation efforts.
- Reflects steady progress in afforestation, forest restoration, and community-led ecological initiatives.
- Government Initiatives Driving Growth:
- Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam: A national movement launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encouraging citizens to plant trees in honour of their mothers.
- National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and Green India Mission (GIM): Strengthen sustainable forest management and climate resilience.
- Joint Forest Management (JFM): Empowers local communities in forest conservation and livelihood development.
About Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA)
- Published by: Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) every five years.
- Purpose: Tracks global trends in forest cover, management, biodiversity, and carbon stock.
- Latest Edition (2025): Focused on forest resilience, climate adaptation, and sustainable land-use planning.
