WORLD’S FORESTS 2024 REPORT

Global Trends & Achievements

1. Deforestation Decline:
   • Rate dropped to 10.2 million hectares/year (2015–2020) from 15.8 million hectares/year (1990–2000).
   • Reflects improved conservation policies, reforestation efforts, and sustainable land-use practices.
2. India’s Forest Growth:
   • Ranked 3rd globally in average annual net forest area gain (2010–2020).
   • Highlights success of initiatives like afforestation drives and community-led conservation.
3. Livelihoods & Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs):
   • 275 million people in India rely on NTFPs (e.g., medicinal plants, honey, bamboo) for income and nutrition.
   • Globally, NTFPs sustain 1.25 billion people, emphasizing forests’ socio-economic role.

Why Innovation is Critical

1. Climate Resilience:
   • Wildfires, pests, and droughts intensified by climate change demand:
     • AI-driven early warning systems.
     • Drought-resistant tree species via genetic research.
     • Fire-resistant landscape management (e.g., controlled burns).
2. Bioeconomy Transition:
   • Shift to zero-carbon bioeconomy requires:
     • Advanced wood processing for sustainable construction (e.g., cross-laminated timber).
     • Bioenergy innovations (e.g., lignin-based biofuels) to replace fossil fuels.
3. Nutrient-Rich Forest Foods:
   • Wild foods like berries, mushrooms, and fish are rich in micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamins).
   • Innovations needed to scale sustainable harvesting and value chains for food security.

Case Study: India’s NTFP Success

• Example:
  • Kerala’s Kani Tribe: Leverage digital platforms to market forest-grown spices and herbs globally.
  • Odisha’s Kendu Leaf: Sustainable collection supports 500,000+ tribal livelihoods annually.

Challenges & FAO’s Recommendations

1. Policy Gaps:
   • Strengthen land tenure rights for forest communities to boost NTFP stewardship.
2. Funding:
   • Redirect subsidies from extractive industries to green tech R&D.
3. Data & Tech:
   • Deploy satellite monitoring (e.g., FAO’s SEPAL platform) to track illegal logging in real-time.

Future Roadmap

• 2030 Targets:
  • Double NTFP contributions to rural economies through certification and market access.
  • Restore 350 million hectares of degraded forests via agroforestry and AI-guided planting.