The Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) is a biennial assessment of India’s woodlands and tree assets. The inaugural report, the first India State of Forest Report, was published in 1987. The responsibility for releasing this report lies with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The most recent edition of India’s State of Forest Report was issued in 2021, offering comprehensive details not only for the entire country but also for specific states and zones.
INDIAN STATE OF FOREST REPORT 2021
- The 2021 edition of the Indian State of Forest Report marks the 17th biennial assessment of India’s woodlands, released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- This report, known as ISFR 2021, offers the latest insights into the nation’s ‘Forest cover’ and ‘Tree cover’.
- Additionally, it provides estimates related to growing stock, the presence of trees beyond forested areas, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and assessments of forest carbon stock.
- The section dedicated to forest carbon assessment also tracks India’s progress in fulfilling its commitments outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions.
The latest Indian State of Forest Report for 2021 introduces a special chapter focusing on “Forest Cover Assessment in Tiger Reserves and Tiger Corridor Areas of the Country and Decadal Change in Forest Cover.”
This edition incorporates the findings of two distinctive studies:
1- one on Above Ground Biomass Estimation Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Data, conducted in collaboration with ISRO
2- Climate Hot Spots in Forest Areas.
MAJOR FINDINGS
Key Findings from India State of Forest Report 2021 (ISFR 2021):
Increase in Total Forest and Tree Cover:
- The total forest and tree cover in India have grown by 2,261 sq km since the 2019 assessment (ISFR-2019).
- Forest cover increased by 1,540 sq km, and tree cover increased by 721 sq km.
- The overall forest and tree cover now account for 80.9 million hectares, equivalent to 24.62% of the country’s geographical area.
Increase in Forest Cover (Top States):
- Andhra Pradesh (647 sq km), Telangana (632 sq km), and Odisha (632 sq km) are the top three states with increased forest cover.
- Open forests witnessed a greater increase than dense forests.
Area-wise Forest Cover:
- Madhya Pradesh holds the largest forest cover in the country, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
Percentage-wise Forest Cover:
The top five states in terms of forest cover as a percentage of total geographical area are Mizoram (84.53%), Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%), Meghalaya (76.00%), Manipur (74.34%), and Nagaland (73.90%).
States/ UTs with more than one-third area under Forest Cover:
- 17 states/UTs have forest cover covering more than 33% of their land area.
Over 75%: Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
- Approximately 33% to 75%: 12 states/UTs, including Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Goa, Kerala, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Assam, and Odisha.
Increase in Mangrove Cover:
- Mangrove cover has increased by 17 sq km since 2019, reaching a total of 4,992 sq km.
- Odisha (8 sq km), Maharashtra (4 sq km), and Karnataka are the top three states with increasing mangrove cover.
Total Carbon Stock:
- India’s carbon stock has increased by 79.4 million tonnes since 2019.
- Carbon storage increases by 39.7 million tonnes annually.
- The country’s forest carbon stock is projected to be 7,204 million tonnes.
Bamboo Forests:
Bamboo forests have seen a significant increase from 13,882 million culms (stems) in 2019 to 53,336 million culms (stems) in 2021.
Forest Fires in India:
- Forest fires threaten 35.46% of the country’s forest cover.
- 2.81% are extremely vulnerable, 7.85% are very highly vulnerable, and 11.51% are highly vulnerable.
Climate Change Hotspots in Indian Forests:
- Climate change and rising temperatures may negatively impact 45-64% of Indian forests by 2030.
- Forests are highly sensitive climate hotspots in all Indian states (excluding Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland).
- Ladakh is most likely to be affected.
Forest Cover in Tiger Reserve Areas:
- A new chapter on forest cover assessment in Tiger Reserves, Corridors, and Lion Conservation Areas is introduced.
- Forest cover has decreased by 22.62 sq km across the 52 tiger reserves in the last decade.
- Twenty reserves show growth, with Buxa (West Bengal) being one of the top three reserves with rising forest cover.
- Anamalai (Tamil Nadu) and Indravati (Chhattisgarh) are also among the top three.
- The remaining 32 reserves are shrinking, ranging from 0.06 sq km in Orang, Assam, to 118.97 sq km in Kawal, Telangana.
Significance of the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR):
Primary Information Source:
- The ISFR is a crucial and primary information source utilised by the central government, state governments, state forest departments, forestry professionals, and academics.
- It serves as a comprehensive reference for understanding the current state of India’s forests and tree resources.
Policy Development and Planning:
- Governments at both the central and state levels heavily rely on the ISFR for formulating forest policies, strategic planning, and effective management of forest resources.
- The report plays a pivotal role in shaping decisions and initiatives that impact the forestry sector of the country.
Management and Investments:
- Forest professionals and managers utilise the ISFR to make informed decisions regarding the sustainable management of forests.
- The report’s insights are crucial for guiding investments and interventions in the forestry sector to ensure its long-term health and productivity.
Educational Resource:
- The ISFR serves as a valuable resource for students and academics interested in natural resource management, providing real-time data and insights into India’s forest ecosystems.
- It contributes to academic research, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of forest dynamics.
International Reporting Duties:
- The report fulfills India’s reporting obligations to international organizations and agreements.
- It provides data required by entities such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Support for Conventions and Pledges:
- The ISFR aids in meeting commitments made under various international conventions and pledges related to forestry and environmental conservation.
- It ensures that India’s efforts and progress in maintaining and enhancing its forest resources are transparent and accountable on the global stage.
Information for Foreign Organizations:
- Foreign organizations and entities interested in India’s forestry and environmental efforts use the ISFR as a key reference.
- The report contributes to international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the domain of forestry and ecological preservation.
In summary, the Indian State of Forest Report plays a multifaceted role, from guiding national policies to meeting international commitments and serving as an educational tool. Its comprehensive data and insights contribute significantly to the sustainable management of India’s rich and diverse forest ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR)?
A: The ISFR is a biennial assessment of India’s woodlands and tree resources, initiated in 1987. It provides comprehensive insights into the state of forests across the country.
2. Who releases the ISFR, and how often is it published?
A: The report is released by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) biennially, meaning it is published every two years.
3. What does the ISFR 2021 cover?
A: The ISFR 2021 covers various aspects, including forest cover, tree cover, growing stock, trees outside forests, mangrove cover, bamboo resources, and forest carbon stock assessments.
4. What is the significance of the ISFR in policymaking?
A: The ISFR is a primary information source for central and state governments, guiding the formulation of forest policies, strategic planning, and effective forest resource management.
5. How does the ISFR contribute to investments and management decisions?
A: Forest professionals and managers rely on the ISFR to make informed decisions about sustainable forest management, guiding investments in the forestry sector.
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