The Bonn Challenge was launched in 2011.It is a global initiative aimed at restoring 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030. It seeks to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and support sustainable development through forest and landscape restoration.
What commitment has India made to the Bonn Challenge?
India pledged to restore 13 million hectares of degraded land by 2020 and an additional 8 million hectares by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge. This pledge totals 21 million hectares, marking India as one of the first Asian countries to join this global commitment.
How does India's National Forest Policy support the Bonn Challenge?
Since the 1952 National Forest Policy (NFP), India has advocated for maintaining at least one-third of its total land area under forest or tree cover, with two-thirds green cover in mountainous and hilly regions. These policies align with the goals of the Bonn Challenge by focusing on increasing forest and tree cover, thereby contributing to landscape restoration efforts.
What progress has India made towards its Bonn Challenge pledge?
According to the latest Forest Survey of India report, India’s current forest and tree cover is 24.39% of the country's geographical area. To meet its National Forest Policy goals and its Bonn Challenge pledge, India needs to significantly increase its forest and tree cover. This involves expanding green cover beyond traditional forest lands through various national schemes and programs.
What are some of the flagship schemes and programs India is using to support restoration efforts?
India has implemented several major schemes to promote forest and landscape restoration, including the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), National Mission for a Green India (GIM), National Green Highways Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and National Agroforestry Policy. These programs are supported by funds from the central government under the CAMPA Act 2016 and are aimed at conservation, protection, improvement, and expansion of forest and wildlife resources.
How are NGOs and the private sector involved in restoration efforts in India?
Alongside government initiatives, many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private sector companies are actively involved in restoration efforts. These collaborations have expanded the scope and impact of restoration projects, showcasing a variety of successful approaches to ecosystem recovery and management.
These FAQs provide an overview of India's strategic approach to meeting its international commitments to forest and landscape restoration, particularly through the Bonn Challenge, and the broader context of its national environmental policies.
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