REVISED NATIONAL FOREST POLICY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)
Context: India recently presented its updated National Forest Policy at the 19th United Nations Forum on Forests convened in New York, United States.
Revised National Forest Policy
- Integrated Approach: India advocates for an integrated approach to forest fire prevention and management.
- Technology Adoption for Fire Monitoring: India shares its experience with technology adoption, including remote sensing for near-real-time fire monitoring.
o The utilization of online portals for forest fire reporting is highlighted.
- Ecosystem-Based Restoration: India emphasizes ecosystem-based approaches for post-fire restoration.
- Global Standards for Forest Certification: India suggests creating universally accepted global standards for forest certification.
o There's a need to evaluate current certification programs against these universal standards.
- Operationalization of Global Fire Management Hub
o India proposes operationalizing the Global Fire Management Hub by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and FAO.
o The hub aims to create a platform for sharing knowledge and experience in mitigating forest fires internationally.
o National Forest Policy 1988: To uphold environmental stability and maintain ecological balance, including atmospheric equilibrium, crucial for the survival of all life forms, including humans, animals, and plants.
UN Forum on Forests
- About: It advocates for the management, conservation, and sustainable development of various forest ecosystems worldwide.
- Establishment: 2000 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- Headquarters: New York
- Objective: UNFF serves as a key platform within the UN system for addressing forest-related issues.
- Membership: Member States of the United Nations and specialized agencies, fostering global collaboration and cooperation in forest management.
- India's Role: India holds a significant position in the UNFF as a founding member.
