18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023)

Source: The post 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023) has been created, based on the article “Why growth of India’s overall green cover is not all good news” published in “Indian Express” on 24th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses the 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023), published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI). It highlights a slight increase in forest cover and a significant rise in tree cover. It also notes the loss of dense forests, replaced by plantations, as well as the environmental concerns associated with plantations compared to natural forests.

For detailed information on India State Of Forest Report read this article here

What does the ISFR-2023 report reveal?

1. Increase in Green Cover: The 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023) by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) shows India’s green cover exceeding 25% (25.17%), including 21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover.
2. Forest Cover Growth: Forest cover grew by 156 sq km, while tree cover increased significantly by 1,289 sq km since 2021.
3. Loss of Dense Forests: India lost 3,913 sq km of dense forests in two years, consistent with a two-decade loss of 24,651 sq km.
4. Role of Plantations: Plantations offset the loss, with 1,420 sq km of plantations classified as dense forests since 2021.

How do plantations affect the environment?

1. Reduced Biodiversity: Plantations often consist of single species, limiting biodiversity compared to natural forests which support numerous species.
2. Vulnerability to Threats: Plantations are more prone to fire, pests, and epidemics due to uniform age and species composition.
3. Carbon Storage: Natural forests store more carbon in their structure and soil than plantations. For instance, the UNFCCC flagged India’s assumption that plantations reach the carbon stock of natural forests in just eight years.
4. Replacement of Dense Forests: Dense forests have declined by 24,651 sq km since 2003, partially replaced by plantations, which grow faster but lack ecological functions of natural forests.
5. Climate Goals: Though plantations grow quickly, they are often harvested early, undermining long-term climate targets.
6. Plantations may help temporarily but cannot fully replace the ecological benefits of natural forests.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the environmental implications of replacing natural dense forests with plantations, as highlighted in the ISFR-2023 report.