Importance of Forest Conservation in India

Study Notes

Forests cover about 21.67% of India's geographical area
They provide habitat to a vast array of flora and fauna
Forests help maintain ecological balance, regulate climate, and support livelihoods of millions of people

National Forest Policy (1988): aims to maintain 33% of India's land area under forest cover
Forest Conservation Act (1980): regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes
Joint Forest Management (JFM): involves local communities in forest management and conservation
Project Tiger (1973): launched to conserve tiger populations and their habitats
Project Elephant (1992): aims to conserve elephant populations and their habitats

Wildlife Protection Act (1972): provides legal framework for conservation of wildlife and their habitats
Protected Areas (PAs): include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves
National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031): outlines strategies for conservation of wildlife and their habitats

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation: leading to loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction
Poaching and hunting: major threats to wildlife populations
Human-wildlife conflict: increasing due to encroachment of human settlements into forest areas
Climate change: altering forest ecosystems and affecting wildlife populations

Green India Mission: aims to increase forest cover and improve ecosystem services
National Afforestation Program: promotes afforestation and reforestation efforts
Wildlife Institute of India: a premier institution for wildlife research and conservation
Tribal communities: involved in forest conservation and management through JFM and other initiatives

Lack of resources and infrastructure: hindering conservation efforts
Conflicting interests: between conservation and development goals
Community engagement: crucial for successful conservation efforts
Emerging technologies: such as drones and camera traps, can aid in conservation efforts

Forests cover approximately 21.67% of India's geographical area, providing habitat to a vast array of flora and fauna, and maintaining ecological balance, regulating climate, and supporting livelihoods of millions of people.

The National Forest Policy (1988) aims to maintain 33% of India's land area under forest cover.
The Forest Conservation Act (1980) regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Joint Forest Management (JFM) involves local communities in forest management and conservation.
Project Tiger (1973) was launched to conserve tiger populations and their habitats.
Project Elephant (1992) aims to conserve elephant populations and their habitats.

The Wildlife Protection Act (1972) provides a legal framework for conservation of wildlife and their habitats.
Protected Areas (PAs) include national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves.
The National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) outlines strategies for conservation of wildlife and their habitats.

Deforestation and habitat fragmentation lead to loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction.
Poaching and hunting are major threats to wildlife populations.
Human-wildlife conflict is increasing due to encroachment of human settlements into forest areas.
Climate change is altering forest ecosystems and affecting wildlife populations.

The Green India Mission aims to increase forest cover and improve ecosystem services.
The National Afforestation Program promotes afforestation and reforestation efforts.
The Wildlife Institute of India is a premier institution for wildlife research and conservation.
Tribal communities are involved in forest conservation and management through JFM and other initiatives.

Lack of resources and infrastructure hinders conservation efforts.
Conflicting interests between conservation and development goals exist.
Community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts.
Emerging technologies, such as drones and camera traps, can aid in conservation efforts.