The third International day of Forests was celebrated in Lucknow on March 15,2015.The chief guest was the Minister of state for forests,Sri Kidwai,the chairperson was Dr.S.P. Yadav,Minister of state for wildlife,U.P.I was invited as special guest in my capacity as APC and Principal Secretary ,Forests and Environment ,U.P.The PCCF , MD , UP Forest Corporation ,Preeti Knaujia of CEE, and a large number of distinguished guests and youth Environment leaders and teachers were present.Here below is what I spoke .
In October ,2012 , UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to observe and celebrate March 21 every year as International day of Forests.The first such day was celebrated at international level , with UNO backing on March21 , 2013.Before 2013, world forestry day was celebrated on March21 , but on a lower scale.
The theme this year is Forests and Climate Change.Sustainably managed forests are the Frontline against climate change.
Deforestation accounts for 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.13 million hectares of forests are destroyed annually in the world.We need to stop this deforestation .In addition ,we need better and sustainable forest management and prevent or slow down degradation of forests ie, reduction in tree biomass density.
One good news is that for the first time,FAO has come out with statistics and reports on the trend of deforestation and emission from forests.Total carbon emissions from forests decreased by 25% between 2001 and 2015 , mainly due to the slowdown in global deforestation rates(FAO,Rome).Slowdown in deforestation rate in the past one decade is about 20% .Brazil alone represents more than 50% of the overall estimated reduction in carbon emission between 2001 and 2015.
To mitigate climate change through forests,we have programmes UN REDD and REDD + at international level.REDD stands for Reducing Emission due to Deforestation and degradation of forests.REDD+ goes beyond REDD.It includes role of conservation,sustainable management of forests and enhancement of carbon stocks.It includes afforestation , reforestation, and regeneration.
REDD+ is a climate change mitigation solution.
In UP Jica assisted project, we have REDD+ project in ten forest divisions of Obra,Renukoot,Sonebhadra,Mahoba,Mirzapur,Jhansi,Lalitpur, Allahabad and Kashi.It has involved 100 Joint forest Management committees.It involves afforestation and reforestation thereby enhancing the forest stock.It involves participation of community in forest management, and improves income level of forest dependent community..It has been assisted by TERI and is at an advanced stage of implementation.
I congratulate all Paryavaran youth leaders,their teachers and parents, who have come from all parts of the state and have got awards.I hope , these youth leaders will spearhead movement for a green and clean UP.
I also congratulate MD and official
s of , UP Forest Corporation who have got forest certification from Forest Stewardship council,Germany for sustainable forest management..Ten principles and criteria of FSC for certification includes maintenance of High Conservation Value forests,plantations and environment impact.I wish them all the best and hope they will continue the good work .
Wesley Henderson of Canada., who wrote the biography (Under Whose Shade)of his father Nelson Henderson quoted the life motto of Nelson as below:
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees,under whose shade you do not expect to sit".Let this be motto for all of us.
Wesley Henderson of Canada., who wrote the biography (Under Whose Shade)of his father Nelson Henderson quoted the life motto of Nelson as below:
"The true meaning of life is to plant trees,under whose shade you do not expect to sit".Let this be motto for all of us.
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