India at UNFF-20: Leading Forest Conservation Efforts

The 20th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF-20), held from May 5 to 9, 2025, at the UN Headquarters in New York, marked a critical moment for evaluating global efforts toward sustainable forest management. As a functional body under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UNFF seeks to promote the conservation and sustainable use of forests worldwide, with UNFF-20 focusing on reviewing progress toward the Global Forest Goals.

Key Objectives of UNFF-20:

• Assess progress made by countries through their Voluntary National Contributions (VNCs).

• Foster international dialogue on pressing issues like forest financing, wildfire management, forest certification, and climate resilience.

• Promote integration of Country-Led Initiatives (CLIs) to influence global forest governance.

• Encourage valuation of forest ecosystems and restoration of degraded forest landscapes.

India’s Contributions at UNFF-20:

• Forest Cover and Restoration:
  India highlighted that it now has 25.17% of its geographical area under forest and tree cover, showcasing achievements in afforestation and restoration through policy innovation and convergence of resources.

• Ecosystem Service Valuation:
  India emphasized integrating ecosystem service valuation into national forest policy planning. Studies from Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and tiger reserves were shared, quantifying services like carbon sequestration, water provisioning, and biodiversity conservation.

• Technology and Community Engagement:
  India’s experience in using technology for monitoring and engaging local communities in forest conservation was a key part of its presentation.

Conclusion:
UNFF-20 served as an important platform for countries to evaluate their forest conservation strategies and explore collaborative mechanisms. India’s proactive engagement underscored its commitment to sustainable forestry, combining scientific valuation, policy innovation, and community involvement to enhance environmental and economic outcomes.