Social Forestry in UP

What are the key initiatives and strategies undertaken by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to promote social-forestry in the State?

Approach: Begin with a definition of “social forestry”. In the body, provide the key initiatives and strategies undertaken by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to promote social-forestry in the State. Conclude with an assessment of the schemes.

Social forestry is defined as forestry outside the conventional forests which primarily aim at providing continuous flow of goods and services for the benefit of the local population.

The following initiatives and strategies have been undertaken by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to promote social-forestry in the State:

1. Social Forestry Scheme: A major state-funded initiative implemented in all districts to increase tree cover outside traditional forests. It encompasses multiple sub-schemes including:
   1. Social Forestry (General): Focusing on plantations on community lands, canals, railways, and roadsides to ensure availability of timber, fuel wood, and fodder in rural areas
   2. Special Component Sub-Plan: Targets scheduled caste abundant regions, with funding from the Social Welfare Department
   3. Tribal Sub-Plan: Focuses on plantations in tribal-dominated areas on community lands
2. Urban Social Forestry Program: Focuses specifically on urban environments where ornamental and shade trees are planted on unused land alongside roads and in parks for environmental protection and beautification.
3. Green Belt Development scheme: A priority initiative launched in 2013-14 with financing from Forest Corporation, implementing tree plantations throughout the state to create green corridors and buffers around urban and industrial areas.
4. Vriksharopan Mahakumbh: A mega plantation event, unique to Uttar Pradesh where millions of saplings are planted across the state with participation from various stakeholders including government departments, educational institutions, NGOs, and citizens.
5. Trees Outside Forests in India (TOFI): Launched in 2023 in collaboration with USAID, this program brings together farmers, companies, and private institutions to rapidly expand tree coverage outside traditional forests, enhancing carbon sequestration and strengthening climate resilience of agriculture.
6. Ganga Haritima Yojana: This initiative focuses specifically on plantations along the Ganga river basin within UP to prevent soil erosion, filter pollutants, and improve the ecological health of the river system.
7. Nursery Management Scheme: Implemented statewide to raise high-quality seedlings of 8-12 feet in height for plantation activities, ensuring better survival rates and growth performance.
8. Forest research and extension: Executed through regional forest promoters in Bareilly (Sal region), Kanpur (Southern region), and Varanasi (Vindhya region), focusing on developing high-quality seedlings and selecting superior seed sources to increase productivity of plantations.
9. Recognition programs: The Vir Abdul Hameed Forest, Wildlife and Environment Protection Award recognizes individuals and organizations making commendable contributions to increasing tree cover and environmental conservation, inspiring others to participate.
10. Forest Festivals: Organized throughout the state to increase public awareness about forests and wildlife, featuring tree plantations and upgradation of forest awareness centers in every district.

Through systematic implementation of these social forestry initiatives, UP has already planted 131 crore saplings (2017-2023) and now aims to increase green cover from 9% to 15% by 2027, targeting 175 crore additional saplings through continued public-private partnerships.