Challenges with Current Tree Planting Efforts

Source: The post challenges with current tree planting efforts has been created, based on the article “The issue with tree planting schemes” published in “The Hindu” on 18th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-environment-conservation

Context: The article discusses the problems with tree planting programs, highlighting that while they are popular for tackling climate issues, they often lack proper community involvement and long-term care. It also notes India’s challenges and efforts in forest restoration and meeting international climate commitments.

For detailed information on UN World Restoration Flagships read this article here

What is the Initiative Taken for the Ecosystem Restoration?

1. Decade of Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): The UN aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land to enhance ecosystem services and sequester 13-26 gigatons of greenhouse gases.
2. Van Mahotsava in India: Launched in 1950 by K.M. Munshi, this annual tree-planting festival occurs in the first week of July, promoting forest growth and engaging public participation.
3. Global Tree Planting Initiatives:
4. The “One Trillion Trees Initiative” by the World Economic Forum aims to massively increase global tree cover.
5. The “Great Green Wall” of China, aimed at reducing desertification.
6. Pakistan’s “10 Billion Tree Tsunami”, a large-scale national reforestation initiative.
7. The “Bonn Challenge”, which has a target of restoring 150 million hectares by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030.

What Are the Challenges with Current Tree Planting Efforts?

1. Limited Community Participation: Many tree planting initiatives, like glamorous drives and campaigns, suffer from inadequate involvement of local communities, which is crucial for the long-term success of these projects.
2. Inadequate Post-Planting Care: There is a lack of ongoing maintenance and monitoring of tree growth, which is vital for the survival and ecological integration of newly planted trees.
3. Promotion of Monoculture: Some initiatives focus on planting single species of trees, which can be less effective for biodiversity and carbon sequestration compared to diverse plantings.
4. Ecological Neglect: Research by Joseph Veldman and colleagues found that planting trees in inappropriate locations, such as grasslands and animal habitats, can damage existing ecosystems and increase wildfire risks.
5. Misclassification of Lands: William Bond and his team criticized the practice of labeling grasslands as deforested or degraded, which can lead to misguided restoration efforts that overlook the ecological value of these areas.
6. Increased Wildfire Risk: Introducing trees into grassland areas can increase the likelihood and intensity of wildfires, posing greater ecological risks.

What Are India’s Specific Challenges and Achievements?

1. India’s Challenges:
2. Nearly 10 million hectares of India’s forests are affected by encroachment.
3. Approximately 275 million people rely on forests for their basic needs and livelihood.
4. Since independence, about 5.7 million hectares of forest land have been repurposed for non-forestry uses.
5. India faces the daunting task of restoring 26 million hectares of degraded forests by 2030.
6. India’s Achievements:
7. India is recognized as the only G20 country to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
8. The country has created an additional carbon sink capable of absorbing 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
9. These statements were confirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey in recent official addresses.

What Should be Done?

1. Adequate finances, community participation, and technical considerations are crucial.
2. Public awareness and incentivized community participation can help create resilient forests.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges and achievements of India’s tree planting and forest restoration efforts.