India Climbs to 9th Globally in Forest Area

India’s New Milestone in Global Forest Rankings

India Climbs to 9th Globally in Forest Area: India has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 9th rank globally in total forest area and 3rd rank in annual forest gain, as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali. This advancement marks India’s steady progress in expanding its green cover through a mix of policy reforms and citizen-driven efforts.

Static GK fact: The FAO publishes the GFRA report every five years to assess global forest resources and trends.

Highlights of GFRA 2025

According to the GFRA 2025, India has moved up from the 10th to the 9th position in total forest area, demonstrating effective reforestation efforts. It continues to retain the 3rd rank in annual forest gain, a testament to its robust plantation programs and sustainable land-use strategies.

Static GK fact: The Global Forest Resources Assessment was first released in 1948, making it one of the oldest periodic environmental reports by the UN.

Policies Fueling Forest Expansion

India’s remarkable performance stems from the Green India Mission, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), and State CAMPA Funds, all aimed at increasing tree cover and restoring degraded ecosystems.

The national campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam”, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, adds a cultural and emotional dimension to environmentalism, encouraging citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers.

State and Community Contributions

States such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh have led massive plantation drives, strengthening local forest ecosystems. These efforts are further supported by community-driven initiatives and Panchayat-level forestry programs, which empower local populations to protect and regenerate forests.

Static GK Tip: Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest area in India, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, as per the India State of Forest Report 2021.

Significance of India’s Achievement

Strengthening Climate Commitments

India’s growing forest area is crucial for achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, especially in offsetting carbon emissions. Forests act as vital carbon sinks, helping India move closer to its net-zero emission goals by 2070.

Preserving Biodiversity

India’s expanding green cover supports diverse ecosystems across the Western Ghats, Himalayas, Northeast, and Sundarbans. Protecting these zones enhances resilience against climate change and promotes ecological stability.

Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods

Forests provide livelihood opportunities through Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), eco-tourism, and community forest management. These sectors empower rural and tribal communities, linking conservation with economic well-being.

Static GK fact: Nearly 300 million people in India depend directly or indirectly on forests for their livelihoods.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India Climbs to 9th Globally in Forest Area: