Why in News ?
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted significant gains in forest area in China, Australia, and India, making them global leaders in forest restoration.
Key Findings:
- China increased its forest area by 22 million hectares between 2010 and 2020
- Australia gained 10 million hectares of forest area during the same period
- India added 6 million hectares of forest area, with a focus on afforestation and reforestation efforts
Global Context:
- Global forest area decreased by 13 million hectares between 2010 and 2020
- Asia accounted for 90% of global forest area gains, with China, Australia, and India leading the way
Drivers of Forest Gain:
- Government policies and programs promoting afforestation and reforestation
- Sustainable forest management practices
- Community-led forest restoration initiatives
Impact:
- Increased forest cover contributes to climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation
- Improved livelihoods for forest-dependent communities
- Enhanced ecosystem services, including water and soil conservation
Challenges:
- Deforestation and forest degradation continue to threaten global forest area
- Sustaining forest gains requires continued commitment and investment
The FAO report highlights the success of China, Australia, and India in increasing their forest area, setting an example for global forest restoration efforts.