- The recently published Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2020 is a product of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).Â
- This extensive assessment, conducted every five years since 1990, provides a detailed evaluation of the status, conditions, and management of forests across all member countries.
As per the FRA 2020 findings, the top 10 nations documenting the highest average annual net gains in forest area from 2010 to 2020 include:
- China
- Australia
- India
- Chile
- Vietnam
INDIA SPECIFIC FINDINGS
- Throughout the assessed decade, India documented an annual forest gain of 0.38 percent, equating to an average yearly increase of 266,000 hectares.
- The noteworthy rise in community-managed forest areas across Asia, acknowledged by FRA 2020, is attributed to India’s Joint Forest Management program.Â
- The forest area under the management of local, tribal, and indigenous communities in India witnessed substantial growth, evolving from zero in 1990 to approximately 25 million hectares by 2015.
- Despite these positive trends, the assessment expresses disappointment with the rate of increase in naturally regenerating forests during the period of 2010-20, standing at just 0.38 percent.
- India holds the distinction of reporting the highest employment in the forestry sector globally. Out of the 12.5 million people employed in the forestry sector worldwide,Â
- India contributed a substantial 6.23 million, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the global employment in this sector.
FAQS- Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2020
1. What is the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) 2020?
A: The FRA 2020 is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) every five years since 1990. It assesses the status, conditions, and management of forests across 236 member countries.
2. What are the key findings of FRA 2020 globally?
A: Over the past three decades, there has been a global decline in forest area, with a loss of 178 million hectares, equivalent to the size of Libya. However, the rate of forest loss has declined due to sustainable management practices.
3. Which countries recorded the highest average annual net gains in forest area from 2010 to 2020?
A: The top five countries include China, Australia, India, Chile, and Vietnam, according to FRA 2020 findings.
4. What are the specific findings related to India in FRA 2020?
A: India reported an annual forest gain of 0.38 percent during the assessed decade, translating to a yearly increase of 266,000 hectares on average.
5. What contributed to the rise in community-managed forest areas in India?
A: The FRA 2020 credits India’s Joint Forest Management program for the significant increase in community-managed forest areas in Asia. The forest area managed by local communities surged from zero in 1990 to about 25 million hectares in 2015.
6. Is there any disappointment expressed in FRA 2020 regarding India’s forests?
A: Yes, the assessment expresses disappointment with the rate of increase in naturally regenerating forests in India during 2010-20, standing at just 0.38 percent.
7. How does India rank globally in terms of employment in the forestry sector?
A: India holds the top position globally, reporting the highest employment in the forestry sector. Out of the 12.5 million people employed in the sector worldwide, India contributed 6.23 million, accounting for nearly 50 percent of global employment in this sector.
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