The Bonn Challenge was initiated in 2011 as a global movement aimed at restoring 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2020, with an ambitious goal of reaching 350 million hectares by 2030. This initiative is designed to enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and promote sustainable development through effective forest and landscape restoration.
India has pledged to restore 13 million hectares of degraded land by 2020 and an additional 8 million hectares by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge. This commitment totals 21 million hectares, establishing India as one of the first Asian countries to engage in this important global initiative.
Since the introduction of the National Forest Policy (NFP) in 1952, India has emphasized the importance of maintaining at least one-third of its total land area covered by forests or trees, with a target of two-thirds green cover in mountainous and hilly regions. These policies align closely with the goals of the Bonn Challenge by focusing on enhancing forest and tree cover, thus contributing to broader landscape restoration efforts.
According to the latest Forest Survey of India report, India's current forest and tree cover is 24.39% of the country's geographical area. To meet the objectives of the National Forest Policy and fulfill its Bonn Challenge commitment, India must significantly boost its forest and tree cover. This requires expanding green areas beyond traditional forest lands through various national schemes and programs.
India has launched several significant initiatives to promote forest and landscape restoration. These include the National Afforestation Programme (NAP), National Mission for a Green India (GIM), National Green Highways Mission, National Mission for Clean Ganga, and National Agroforestry Policy. Supported by funding from the central government under the CAMPA Act 2016, these programs aim to conserve, protect, and enhance forest and wildlife resources.
In addition to government initiatives, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private sector companies are actively participating in restoration efforts. These collaborations have broadened the scope and impact of restoration projects, demonstrating a range of successful strategies for ecosystem recovery and management.
This overview illustrates India's strategic approach to fulfilling its international commitments regarding forest and landscape restoration, particularly through the Bonn Challenge, while also reflecting the broader context of national environmental policies.
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