In a recent declaration, the United Nations Forum on Forests has emphasized the critical need to halt deforestation and prevent further land degradation by 2030 to ensure sustainable development worldwide. The declaration, issued at the conclusion of its 19th session, underscores the urgency of aligning efforts with the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-30—a global framework aimed at protecting and sustainably managing forests and trees outside forests.

Meanwhile, during this session, India highlighted its Green Credit Programme—an initiative designed to incentivize entities to engage in tree plantation and restore degraded forests. The Indian government touted significant advancements in forest conservation and sustainable management, citing a consistent increase in forest cover over the past fifteen years. India currently ranks third globally in net forest area gain between 2010 and 2020.

However, India’s reported increase in forest cover has sparked debate due to the country’s forest definition, which includes plantations and orchards. This has raised concerns among experts and environmentalists who argue that the inclusion of non-natural areas could be misleading and could potentially compromise existing biodiversity.

Under India’s Green Credit Programme, corporations and private entities are encouraged to undertake tree plantations on degraded lands. These efforts generate green credits, which can be traded and used as indicators of corporate social responsibility. This program, administered by the Union environment ministry, aims to harness private sector involvement in combating deforestation and land degradation.

Despite India’s efforts to bolster forest cover, critics point to regulatory challenges and potential environmental risks associated with the Green Credit Programme. There are concerns that planting on already biodiverse lands could disrupt existing ecosystems, potentially undermining wildlife habitats.

The contentious issue of forest cover definitions persists, with the government’s approach being questioned by experts. India defines forests as areas with at least 10% canopy cover, encompassing various land uses such as tree crops, fruit orchards, bamboo, and agroforestry. This definition, accepted by international bodies like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Food and Agriculture Organisation, has faced scrutiny for potentially overstating forest expansion.

In response to these concerns, the UNFCCC recommended that India refine its reporting by distinguishing orchards, bamboo, and palm cultivation from natural forests to provide a more accurate assessment of carbon stocks. While India’s forest management approach has contributed to reported gains, experts stress the importance of ecological restoration and community participation in sustainable forest management.

The broader context of India’s forest management also reveals challenges beyond mere acreage statistics. Many protected areas are isolated and fragmented, lacking sufficient capacity for effective monitoring and management. These areas face encroachments, illegal activities, and the local extinction of wildlife—a stark reminder of the complexities involved in sustaining India’s diverse ecosystems.

As the global community strives to meet ambitious targets for sustainable development by 2030, the dialogue between international frameworks like the UN Strategic Plan for Forests and national strategies such as India’s Green Credit Programme is crucial. While India’s efforts to enhance forest cover are commendable, addressing definitional ambiguities and ensuring ecologically sound practices remain imperative for effective conservation outcomes.

Thus, the convergence of global imperatives and national strategies underscores the urgency of collaborative action to combat deforestation and promote sustainable forest management. Balancing environmental conservation with economic imperatives requires innovative approaches that prioritize ecological integrity and community well-being. The path forward demands robust regulatory frameworks, enhanced monitoring capacity, and inclusive participation to safeguard forests for future generations.