International Day of Forests is being celebrated today. The theme for this year is “Forests and Food”-emphasizing the vital link between healthy forests and global food security. The United Nations declared March 21 as the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. Since then the day has been celebrated every year to raise awareness about the critical role forests play in sustaining life and addressing global challenges.

Akashvani Correspondent reports that the theme for this year “Forests and Food”-rightly emphasises that forests are not only sources of nutrition and livelihoods but also guardians of biodiversity. In India, forests are more than ecosystems; they are lifelines- integral to our culture, economy, and biodiversity. India’s commitment to forest conservation is evidenced through transformative policies and initiatives. The National Agroforestry Policy includes a component of financial support for nurseries and research. Similarly, the Green India Mission strives to increase forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares. Crucially, it aims to empower 3 million households by enhancing forest-based incomes. Recognising the importance of local communities in enhancing the green cover, Van Dhan Yojana promotes community-centric forest conservation and development. These efforts have paid off. According to the India State of the Forest Report 2023, India has seen an increase of approximately 2.38% in forest cover over the past decade and a significant drop in forest fire hotspots. India’s approach combines conservation with people’s participation and visionary policies, setting an example for the world.