India Rises to 9th Position Globally in Total Forest Area: FAO Report

In News: India Climbs to 9th Spot Globally in Total Forest Area, Reflecting Strong Environmental Commitment: FAO Report

Analysis:

1. Context:
   • India has moved up to the 9th position globally in total forest area, as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Bali, Indonesia.
   • This marks an improvement from the 10th position recorded in the previous assessment.
2. Key Highlights:
   • Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced the milestone, describing it as a reflection of India’s sustained environmental and conservation efforts.
   • India also retains the 3rd position globally in annual forest area gain, demonstrating consistent progress in afforestation and reforestation initiatives.
3. Government Initiatives and Impact:
   • The improvement is attributed to robust policy frameworks and community-driven programmessuch as:
     • National Mission for a Green India
     • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)
     • Eco-restoration and social forestry programmes.
   • The Minister also cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” initiative as a catalyst for citizen-led plantation drives across the country.
4. Significance of the Achievement:
   • The recognition by FAO underscores India’s position as a global leader in sustainable forest management and climate action.
   • Enhancing forest cover contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood support for forest-dependent communities.
   • It aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
5. Global Context:
   • The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) evaluates changes in forest area, biodiversity, and sustainable management practices across countries.
   • India’s consistent performance reflects a balance between development and ecological preservation, vital for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Static Information:

• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation):
  • Established: 1945.
  • Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
  • Objective: To achieve food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and support natural resource conservation globally.
• India’s Forest Cover (as per FSI 2021 report):
  • Total Forest and Tree Cover: approximately 24.62% of the country’s geographical area.
  • Major forested states: Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra.
    
    Updated - October 22, 2025 3:25 PM | News On Air