Forest conservation

Published on 04 Apr 2025

Forest conservation refers to the sustainable management and protection of forests to preserve their ecological integrity, biodiversity, and diverse ecosystem services for current and future generations.

Importance of forest conservation

• Biodiversity Conservation: Forests are home to a diverse of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to specific ecosystem.

• Climate Change Mitigation: Large volumes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are absorbed and stored by forests, which function as carbon sinks.

• Prevention of Soil Erosion: Tree roots are important for soil stabilization, erosion prevention, and soil fertility maintenance.

• Medicinal Resources: Forests are source of medicinal plants and traditional remedies.

• Ecosystem Services: Forests provide different ecosystem services, including air and water purification, climate regulation, soil fertility, pollination, and natural pest control.

National Forest Policy, 1988

• Objectives

• Effective preservation leads to the ecological and environmental stability of the forest areas.

• Restoring the ecological equilibrium of the ecosystem that has been disturbed owing to resource depletion.

• Increasing the number of forests by afforestation, replanting, and other associated social forestry projects.

Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022

• Compensatory Afforestation: If state has more than two-thirds area under green cover or more than one-third area under forest cover, then CA would be allowed to be taken in other states/UTs where this cover is below 20%

• Allows building in Forests: Right to construct buildings for bonafide purposes including forest protection measures and residential units.

• Formation of Committees: An advisory committee, a screening committee at State or UT and a regional empowered committee will be constituted for monitoring purposes.

• No consent of Gram Sabha needed: Once accepted by the FAC, it will be forwarded to the State authorities, who will collect the compensation fund and land and process it for final approval.

• Allows Private Plantations: It provides for the cultivation of plantations by private parties, which they can then sell to businesses to meet their compensatory afforestation targets.

Major Causes of Forest Degradation

• Deforestation: Forest clearing for agriculture, logging, and urbanization results in biodiversity loss, ecosystem disruption, and increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

• Example: According to a report by UK based Utility Bidder, India’s deforestation rose from 384,000 hectares between 1990 and 2000 to 668,400 hectares between 2015 and 2020

• Mining Activities: Mining for minerals and resources can result in habitat loss, soil erosion, and the discharge of dangerous chemicals into the environment.

• Example: 18% of the UNESCO World Heritage sites are within 1km of a mine, while almost 80% of mining projects are within 30km of a key biodiversity area.

• Invasive Species: Native species may be displaced when non-native species are introduced to new habitats. 

• Example: Invasive alien tree Senna spectabilis easily colonises the landscape by destroying the native vegetation in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Waste Generation: The environment and public health are at risk when solid and hazardous waste is not disposed of properly, which also increases pollution.

• Example: According to the UNEP, fast fashion is the second-biggest consumer of water and is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions.

• Urbanization: Unplanned urban growth can lead to habitat loss, increased energy use, and increased resource demand result in environmental degradation.

• Example: According to United Nations predictions, 68% of the global population will live in urban areas by 2050.

• Industrialization: Rapid industrial growth frequently leads to waste and pollutant releases into the environment, which exacerbates contamination of the air, water, and soil.

• Example: According to conservative estimates, over 200,000 contaminated sites were formed in China during rapid urbanization and industrialization.

Government initiatives and policy measures

• Forest Conservation Act 1980: It embodies the firm commitment of the Government of India to balance the conservation of forests with the sustainable development need of the country.

• Wildlife Protection Act 1972: The act allows for the establishment of Protected Areas to safeguard wildlife, as well as the imposition of punishments for hunting certain species listed in schedules I to IV.

• National Afforestation Programme (NAP): 100% centrally sponsored scheme for afforestation and tree plantation and eco-restoration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country.

• National Green Tribunal: It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.

International initiatives

• UN Convention to Combat Desertification: It is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.

• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): identifies problems related to the environment, and takes efforts to develop environmental programmes and conventions at regional and international levels.

• Society for the Environment (SocEnv): It aspires to be the leading and coordinating body for professionals working in sustainability and environmental matters and a pre-eminent champion of a sustainable environment.

Way Forward

• Investment in Green Technologies: Provide funding for research and development of environmentally friendly technologies that lessen their impact.

• Conservation and Restoration: Encourage reforestation and afforestation to reduce deforestation and improve carbon sequestration.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Promote and reward businesses that prioritize environmental preservation.

• Waste Management: Execute efficient waste management strategies, such as waste-to-energy projects and recycling programs.

Tags:
Environment

Keywords:
Forests Ecosystem Conservation Wildlife National Forest policy Forestry

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation