Neha BaruahGlobal Forest
India has achieved remarkable progress in forest conservation, adding an average of 266,000 hectares of new forest each year from 2010 to 2020. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this places India third globally in forest area growth.
Global Leaders in Forest Area Gains
China and Australia lead the rankings, with forest area increases of 1,937,000 and 446,000 hectares respectively. Other countries in the top ten include Chile, Vietnam, Turkey, the United States, France, Italy, and Romania.
India’s Initiatives
The FAO has commended India for its efforts in land restoration and the promotion of agroforestry through innovative practices and supportive national policies.
Deforestation Trends
The FAO’s study highlights a significant reduction in deforestation rates in many parts of the world. In 2023, Indonesia’s rainforests shrank by 8.4%, while Brazil’s Amazon rainforests saw a dramatic 50% reduction. However, climate change continues to make forests vulnerable to wildfires and pests. In 2021, boreal forests contributed significantly to global carbon emissions, and wildfires in 2023 are projected to release 6,687 megatonnes of carbon dioxide.
Mangrove Losses and Forest Health
Global mangrove loss decreased by 23% between 2000 and 2010 and has continued to decline. However, the FAO warns that U.S. forests face significant threats from insects and diseases, predicting substantial losses by 2027.
About the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Foundation and Membership
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was established in 1945 and includes 194 member countries along with the European Union. Headquartered in Rome, Italy, the FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating hunger and improving nutrition and food security worldwide.
Role and Initiatives
The FAO is crucial in combating hunger and enhancing nutrition through global initiatives such as the “Zero Hunger” goal. It hosts the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which sets international food standards to ensure the safety and quality of food products. The FAO provides critical data and analysis to support informed policy-making and effective interventions by monitoring food security and agricultural sustainability.
Support and Development Projects
The FAO supports rural development through various projects in over 130 countries, encompassing activities from improving crop production and livestock management to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts aim to boost productivity, increase resilience to climate change, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities worldwide.
Neha Baruah
