India Showcases Pioneering Forest and Landscape Restoration at FAO COFO 28 in Rome

At the Twenty-eighth Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Forestry (COFO 28) in Rome, India delivered a powerful statement highlighting its monumental achievements in forest and landscape restoration. Representing the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India reaffirmed its unwavering national and international commitments to sustainable forest management, robust climate action, and the creation of resilient forest landscapes that support both biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Held from 28th September to 2nd October 2026, COFO 28 serves as a premier global platform for forestry policymakers to address planetary challenges. India seized this vital international forum to underscore that sustainable forest management acts as an integrated framework. This approach successfully addresses landscape-level restoration while simultaneously addressing unique national circumstances and the socio-economic needs of local communities.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• Forest & Tree Cover Milestone: India's total forest and tree cover has expanded to 82.74 million hectares, accounting for an impressive 25.17% of the nation's total geographical area.
• Global Rankings: According to the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India proudly ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain.
• Climate Ambitions & Carbon Sinks: India successfully created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2021, and has significantly scaled up its ambition to achieve an additional sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes by 2035 against 2005 levels.
• Bonn Challenge Progress: Out of its pledge to restore 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030, India has already brought 21.76 million hectares under active restoration.
• Flagship Landscapes: Major projects highlighted include the Aravalli Green Wall (covering 6.45 million hectares of identified degraded land), the MISHTI initiative for mangrove conservation, and the expansion of Ramsar Sites to 101.
• Jan Andolan for Nature: The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – Plant4Mother' campaign has mobilized society, successfully planting over 3.5 billion saplings nationwide.

Contextual Analysis: India's Multi-Pronged Forestry Paradigm

India’s presentation in Rome was not merely a list of statistics; it represented a comprehensive narrative of policy coherence, grassroots mobilization, and scientific management. As a rapidly growing economy with high population density, India’s ability to decouple development from deforestation stands out as a global template for sustainable growth.

Scaling Up Global Pledges: The Bonn Challenge and Beyond

The Bonn Challenge commitment remains a cornerstone of India's international environmental diplomacy. By achieving over 21 million hectares of its targeted 26 million hectares ahead of schedule, India demonstrates execution efficiency that few nations match. This success is powered by a blend of state-led forestry programs, joint forest management committees, and indigenous conservation practices.

Regional Landscape Initiatives: Aravalli and MISHTI

At the sub-national and regional levels, targeted programs are transforming fragile ecosystems. The Aravalli Green Wall Project is systematically combating desertification and land degradation across northern India, protecting the Indo-Gangetic plains from dust storms and revitalizing local hydrology. Concurrently, the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) leverages coastal ecosystems to act as natural buffers against tropical cyclones while uplifting the blue economy of coastal fishing communities. Furthermore, reaching a milestone of 101 Ramsar Wetlands underscores India's holistic vision that integrates terrestrial forestry with aquatic and wetland conservation.

“Sustainable forest management provides an integrated framework for addressing restoration at the landscape level while responding to national circumstances and the needs of local communities.” — Official Statement, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Whole-of-Society Engagement: Plant4Mother

Policy frameworks alone cannot green a continent. Recognizing this, India championed the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – Plant4Mother' campaign at COFO 28. By framing tree planting as a cultural tribute to mothers, the government transformed environmental conservation into a massive public movement (Jan Andolan), resulting in over 3.5 billion saplings planted through collective governmental and citizen action.

Significance & National Impact

India's active participation at COFO 28 carries profound strategic and economic implications. By showcasing its high net annual forest gain and ambitious carbon sink goals, India reinforces its position as a responsible global climate leader ahead of subsequent UNFCCC COP summits. Furthermore, India used the global stage to advocate for developing nations, pushing for international cooperation that transcends rhetoric.

The Indian delegation stressed that global commitments must translate into robust capacity development, technology transfer, and predictable long-term financing. By encouraging the FAO to strengthen support for climate, biodiversity, and blended finance mechanisms, India is actively shaping the discourse for the upcoming UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation (2027–2036). This ensures that future global frameworks respect national sovereignties and deliver tangible, measurable outcomes on the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was India's core message at COFO 28 in Rome?

India highlighted its major achievements in forest and landscape restoration, noting that its forest and tree cover has reached 82.74 million hectares (25.17% of total geographic area), while emphasizing the need for equitable climate financing and country-driven implementation.

Where does India rank globally in terms of forest area and growth?

According to the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain.

What is the status of India's Bonn Challenge commitment?

India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030. Out of this target, an impressive 21.76 million hectares have already been successfully brought under restoration.

What is the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam – Plant4Mother' initiative?

It is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society public campaign in India that encourages citizens to plant saplings as a tribute to their mothers, which has successfully led to the planting of over 3.5 billion saplings.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2316216, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2316216&lang=1.