Forest ServicesEnvironment & Ecology
Forest Conservation
Welcome to the comprehensive UPSC study hub on Forest Conservation, a pivotal topic within the Environment & Ecology segment of your General Studies preparation. Forest Conservation, at its core, is
37 articles in this topic
Articles on Forest Conservation
UNDP Report on FRA Implementation (2025)
In News The UNDP report “Securing Rights, Enabling Futures – Policy Lessons from FRA and Future Pathways” reviewed nearly 20 years of Forest Rights Act (FRA) implementation. About Forest Rights Act The Forest Rights Act, 2006 (Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act) is landmark legislation recognizing and vesting rights over forest land and resources for forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other traditional forest dwellers (OTFDs). Under
Global Shift Towards Younger Forests
Context A recent study highlights a global shift towards younger forests, disrupting the carbon balance as older, carbon-rich forests decline. Importance of Forest Age Young Forests grow rapidly and can absorb up to 20 times more CO₂ than older forests, especially less than 20 years old. However, they store much less carbon compared to old-growth forests.
Global Wetland Outlook for 2025
Context Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has released the Global Wetland Outlook for 2025. About Global Wetland Outlook for 2025 It offers the most current global evaluation of the condition, trends, value and policy responses concerning wetlands. Produced by: The Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) of the Convention on Wetlands.
Contesting the Future of Forest Governance
In a recent development, the Chhattisgarh forest department issued—and later withdrew—a letter claiming itself as the nodal agency for implementing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR) under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 highlights a critical and ongoing struggle in India’s forest governance.
Chhattisgarh Forest Department Withdraws Community Forest Rights Order
Context The Chhattisgarh Forest Department recently withdrew its May 2025 advisory that prohibited NGOs, private entities, and other departments from engaging in Community Forest Resource (CFR) management activities. Background The May 2025 order cited a 2020 circular and the National Working Plan Code (NWPC), 2023, emphasizing the need for scientific forest management. The order conflicted with the 2023 guidelines of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, which empower Gram Sabhas and their CFR Manage
Regulatory Framework for Promoting Agroforestry
Context The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued the ‘Model Rules for Felling of Trees in Agricultural Lands’, with the objective of supporting States and Union Territories in simplifying regulatory frameworks and promoting agroforestry. What is Agroforestry? Agroforestry is a combination of practising agriculture and forestry together on the same unit of land.
APSC Forest Ranger Recruitment 2025 – 50 Vacancies, Eligibility, Apply Online
APSC Forest Ranger Recruitment 2025 Notification released at apsc.nic.in. Apply online for 50 Forest Ranger posts. Check eligibility, dates, syllabus, and direct link to apply. The Assam Public...
Preservation of Traditional Seed Varieties in india
Context The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) recently examined community seed banks (CSBs) across India and raised concerns over declining intergenerational transfer of traditional seed conservation knowledge. Importance of Traditional Seed Conservation Genetic Diversity: These seeds have a broad genetic base, making crops naturally resilient to pests and diseases. Unlike monocultures that suffer rapid disease spread, traditional polycultures buffer such risks.
Kerala Wants Centre to Amend the Wildlife Protection Act
Context The Kerala government has urged the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (WLPA), so it can be allowed to kill wild animals that foray into human habitats. Kerala’s Demands to the Union government Amend WLPA, 1972 to allow culling of “man-eating” or dangerous wild animals without excessive procedural delays. Declare Wild Boars as Vermin under Section 62 of the Act, permitting their hunting in designated areas for a limited
Needs for Stable Urban Forests in India
Context One of Hyderabad’s last remaining urban forests, Kancha Gachibowli, faced the threat of extinction when the Telangana government decided to give away 400 acres of its land for industrial development. Importance of Urban Forests Climate Change Mitigation: Urban trees absorb CO₂ and sequester carbon, reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions. Pollution Control: A hectare of trees can remove nearly one ton of pollutants annually, helping mitigate harmful PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels.
Global Forest Watch
Context India lost 18,200 hectares (ha) of primary forest in 2024 compared to 17,700 hectares in 2023, according to new data from Global Forest Watch (GFW). Indian Findings Overall Tree Cover Loss Decreases: India saw a 6.9% decrease in total tree cover loss between 2023 and 2024, indicating some progress in forest conservation efforts. Increase in Humid Primary Forest Loss: Contrarily, humid primary forest loss increased by 5.9% in 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in preserving old-growth
India’s Forest Rights Act (2006): Apart From Exclusionary Laws Globally
India’s Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 protects indigenous communities’ rights, recognizing the rights of indigenous communities and forest dwellers, unlike global conservation policies that restrict human access to protected areas.
JPSC Assistant Conservator of Forest Recruitment 2024
The JPSC Assistant Conservator of Forest Recruitment notification 2024 has officially been released by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), inviting applications for 78 prestigious posts...
Forest Conservation & Augmentation Act, 2023
Introduction The Forest Conservation Augmentation Act, 2023 (Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam) is a major amendment to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This new law aims to streamline...
Mangrove Ecosystem: Importance, Conservation, and Challenges
Introduction to Mangrove Ecosystem The mangrove ecosystem is one of the most vital coastal ecosystems, offering a unique blend of terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Found in tropical and...
Agroforestry
Introduction In an era marked by climate change and escalating environmental challenges, sustainable land-use options have become a necessity to safeguard livelihoods and promote ecological balance....
The Chipko Movement: Hugging Trees to Save the Planet
The Chipko Movement stands as a powerful symbol of grassroots environmental activism, showcasing how ordinary people, armed with determination and unity, can challenge powerful systems to protect...