Welcome to GKboard.in, your trusted platform for current affairs updates tailored for competitive exams. Today, we explore India’s significant participation in the 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF20), held in New York from May 5 to 9, 2025. This topic is vital for aspirants preparing for exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government recruitment tests.
India at UNFF20
Showcasing Forest Conservation Efforts
India actively participated in UNFF20 at the United Nations Headquarters, emphasizing its progress in forest conservation and sustainable forest management. The delegation, led by Shri Sushil Kumar Awasthi, Director General of Forests, reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs) under the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2017–2030.
India’s Forest Achievements
Increasing Forest and Tree Cover
According to the latest India State of Forest Report, forest and tree cover now spans 25.17% of India’s geographical area. Key initiatives include the Aravalli Green Wall for land restoration, a 7.86% increase in mangrove cover over the past decade, afforestation of over 1.55 lakh hectares under the Green India Mission, and the plantation of 1.4 billion seedlings through the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Plant4Mother) campaign.
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Global Conservation Platform
A highlight of India’s participation was inviting all UN Member States to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), a global platform launched by India to conserve seven big cat species. The IBCA promotes joint research, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building for biodiversity conservation.
Country-Led Initiative (CLI) Outcomes
Advocating Global Action
India urged global action on the outcomes of the Country-Led Initiative (CLI) hosted in Dehradun in October 2023, which focused on forest fire management and forest certification. India also appreciated CLI efforts by the Republic of Congo, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Austria, stressing the need to integrate these outcomes into global mechanisms for addressing forestry issues.
Side Event on Forest Restoration
India’s Sustainable Approach
India hosted a side event titled “Restoring Degraded Forest Landscapes: India’s Approach to Sustainable Forest Management and Climate Resilience”. The event showcased India’s strategies, including policy innovation, resource convergence, community engagement, and technology for monitoring and evaluation, highlighting contributions to global forest goals.
Valuing Forest Ecosystems
High-Level Panel Discussion
India participated in a high-level panel on “Valuing Forest Ecosystems in National Policy and Strategy”, sharing findings from pilot studies in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and tiger reserves. These studies quantified ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, water provisioning, and biodiversity conservation using frameworks such as the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) and Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). India emphasized integrating ecosystem valuation into national planning for sustainable forest governance.
Why This Matters for Competitive Exams
Key Takeaways for Students
India’s role in UNFF20 is a significant topic for competitive exam aspirants, as questions on environment, forest conservation, and international cooperation frequently appear in exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking. Focus on India’s forest cover achievements, the IBCA, and ecosystem valuation to strengthen your preparation.
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Posted on: May 9, 2025