Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav today launched the Workshop on Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project in New Delhi. On the occasion, he said that the Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project holds significant potential for enhancing technical and field-level capabilities in forest fire management, biodiversity conservation and climate action. The Minister also underlined the need for strengthening the capacity of frontline forest personnel from both operational and administrative perspectives.

 

The Minister further highlighted the key components of the project, including research and development for practical technological solutions and pilot projects for field-level application. He said that these components also include strengthening training institutions for practice-oriented training, and sharing of best practices with SAARC and other developing countries. He further called for translating the workshop’s deliberations into tangible action on the ground by combining traditional knowledge, scientific approaches and emerging technologies. 

The Project has an outlay of over 537 crore rupees, including a contribution of over 440 crore rupees by Japan International Cooperation Agency. The Environment Minister said that the project marks an important milestone in the decades-long cooperation between India and Japan in the forestry sector. 

 

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that the project envisages strengthening research and development to translate knowledge and research outcomes into improved training and sustainable forest management practices. It added that the project is aimed at enhancing the capacity of frontline forest personnel in view of changing forest and wildlife management requirements and emerging climate and environmental concerns. The project is being implemented over seven years, from 2025-26 to 2031-32, and involves all States in India.