India’s Expanding Green Footprint

India’s Expanding Green Footprint

Analysis:

1. India has improved its global standing in forest conservation, ranking 9th worldwide in total forest area as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 22 October 2025, up from 10th position earlier.
2. India has retained its 3rd position globally in net annual forest area gain, reflecting sustained afforestation and reforestation efforts over the long term.
3. FAO has also ranked India 5th among the world’s top global carbon sinks, with Indian forests removing 150 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ per year during 2021–2025, highlighting India’s contribution to global climate mitigation.
4. At the global level, total forest area stands at approximately 4.14 billion hectares, covering around 32% of Earth’s land area, while the annual rate of net forest loss has declined significantly over the decades.
5. India accounts for about 72.7 million hectares of forest area, roughly 2% of the global forest cover, and contributes 9% of global wood removals, ranking 2nd worldwide in this category.
6. India has shown notable progress in planted forests, particularly bamboo and rubber plantations. India alone accounts for 11.8 million hectares of bamboo forests, playing a major role in Asia’s dominance in global bamboo resources.
7. In agroforestry, India, along with Indonesia, contributes nearly 70% of the global agroforestry area, underscoring the importance of integrated land-use systems in forest expansion.
8. FAO’s analytical assessment shows that during 2021–2025, global forests acted as a net carbon sink, with Asia, including India, emerging as a major contributor due to reduced deforestation emissions and increased removals.
9. National-level data from the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 complements GFRA findings, confirming India’s steady increase in forest cover, mangroves, and carbon stock.
10. India’s performance reflects the impact of sustained policy interventions, increased budgetary support, and flagship initiatives aimed at forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate action.

Background / Static Part (GFRA & India’s Forest Framework):

• Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA):
  • Published by: FAO (UN specialised agency)
  • Nature: Periodic global assessment based on official national data
  • Covers: Forest area, change, management, use, emissions, and carbon sinks
  • Forest Types: Naturally regenerating forests, planted forests, plantation forests
• India’s Forest Status (ISFR 2023):
  • Total forest cover: 7,15,343 sq km (21.76%)
  • Largest forest-cover states (area-wise):
    • Madhya Pradesh
    • Arunachal Pradesh
    • Chhattisgarh
  • Mangrove cover: ~4,992 sq km
• Key Government Initiatives:
  • National Mission for a Green India (GIM): Expansion and quality improvement of forest and tree cover under NAPCC
  • National Afforestation Programme: Regeneration of degraded forests through community participation
  • Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Promoting sustainable lifestyles and citizen-led environmental action
  • Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Citizen-driven tree plantation initiative

Updated – 24 October 2025; 7:34 PM | PIBNews Source:

Press Information Bureau (PIB)