Sustainable forestry plays a crucial role in decarbonization by acting as a significant carbon sink. In India, forests are essential not only for capturing CO2 but also for supporting biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions. Sustainable forestry practices can significantly contribute to India's decarbonization goals by 2030.

 

Current Scenario

India has about 24.56% of its land area under forest cover, amounting to 8,07,276 square kilometers. However, deforestation and forest degradation remain challenges due to agricultural expansion, logging, and infrastructure development. Emissions from deforestation contribute significantly to India's greenhouse gas emissions. The challenge, however, lies in balancing the needs of economic development, industrial demands, and the livelihood requirements of forest-dependent communities. 

Importance of Sustainable Forestry

• Carbon Sequestration: Forests sequester approximately 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 annually, helping to offset emissions from other sectors.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Indian forests are home to over 47,000 plant species and 89,000 animal species, many of which are endemic and endangered.
• Livelihoods: Approximately 275 million people depend on forests for their livelihoods, including food, fuel, and fodder. Forest products contribute about $30 billion annually to the rural economy.

Key Technology

• Drones for Forest Monitoring: Drones are being increasingly used for monitoring forest health, mapping deforestation, and reforestation efforts, covering over 200,000 hectares annually.
• Carbon Trading and Offset Solutions: Carbon trading platforms in India can provide financial incentives for forest conservation. By 2030, the carbon market for forestry projects in India could be worth over $5 billion, incentivizing large-scale afforestation and conservation efforts.
• Digital Tools for Conservation: Satellite imagery and AI are deployed for real-time forest monitoring and predictive analytics. AI-based tools can enhance forest carbon stock estimation accuracy by up to 15%, aiding better policy and management decisions.
• Large-Scale Reforestation Platforms: Platforms like the Bonn Challenge, which India is a part of, aim to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, significantly contributing to global carbon sequestration efforts. Bonn Challenge aims to restore 21 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, with an expected sequestration of approximately 2.5 billion tons of CO2 over the next 20 years.
• Micro-Forestry Initiatives: Urban areas are adopting micro-forestry projects to enhance green cover and carbon sequestration. Cities like Bengaluru are implementing urban forestry projects, creating mini-forests in urban spaces. Micro-forestry projects in Indian cities could sequester up to 1 million tons of CO2 annually by 2030

Case Studies

Green India Mission

• Launched in 2014, the Green India Mission aims to increase forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity.
• The mission targets an additional 5 million hectares of forest cover by 2030, which could sequester up to 50 million tons of CO2 annually.
• The mission has restored approximately 1.2 million hectares of forest, sequestering an estimated 12 million tons of CO2 annually.

Joint Forest Management (JFM) in Madhya Pradesh

• JFM involves local communities in the management and restoration of forests. In Madhya Pradesh, over 1.5 million hectares of forest land are managed under JFM.
• JFM has improved forest health, increased carbon sequestration, and provided sustainable livelihoods, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 5 million tons annually.
• JFM has created over 30,000 community forest management committees, directly benefiting more than 10 million people.

Andhra Pradesh Community Forest Management Project

• This project aims to restore degraded forests through community participation.
• It has restored over 1.8 million hectares of forest, enhancing carbon sequestration by about 10 million tons annually and improving biodiversity and water resources.
• The project has also improved water availability for over 1,000 villages, positively impacting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.