US, India launch new initiative to increase tree coverage in India

Source: The post is based on the article “US, India launch new initiative to increase tree coverage in India” published in The Print on 12th September 2022.

What is the News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the Government of India and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the launch of the “Trees Outside Forests in India” Initiative.

What is Trees Outside Forests in India Initiative?

Aim: To increase tree coverage outside of forest lands in India in a bid to support global climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.

Features: The programme will bring together farmers, companies and private institutions in India to rapidly expand tree coverage outside of traditional forests by 28 lakh hectares.

– It will use innovative financing models and leverage India’s private sector to promote tree-based enterprises, helping to create sustainable markets and improve rural economies and livelihoods.

Implementation: The program will be implemented by a consortium led by the Center for International Forestry Research(CIFOR) and World Agroforestry.

Coverage: The program will be implemented in seven states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.

Significance: The program will enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities and strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture.