India Rises to 9th Globally in Forest Area Amid Ongoing Environmental Challenges
- MGMMTeam
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
India has achieved a notable milestone in global forestry, climbing to the 9th position worldwide in terms of total forest area. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India also retains its third-place ranking in annual forest gain, reflecting consistent efforts in afforestation and forest management.
Global Context and India’s Position
The FAO report highlights that Russia leads globally with 832.6 million hectares of forest, followed by Brazil (486 million ha), Canada (368.8 million ha), the United States (308.89 million ha), and China (227.15 million ha). India’s forest cover stands at approximately 72.73 million hectares. This achievement underscores the country’s growing commitment to environmental conservation, despite pressures from urbanization, industrial expansion, and agricultural demands.
Government Initiatives and Community Engagement
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav attributed this progress to government-led policies focusing on forest protection, afforestation, and sustainable land use. Campaigns such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, launched on World Environment Day, have encouraged citizens to plant trees, thereby integrating community participation with national conservation efforts. Additionally, India’s agroforestry initiatives and promotion of urban green spaces have contributed to increasing tree cover beyond traditional forest areas.
Challenges in Forest Ecosystems
While the increase in forest cover is encouraging, experts caution against complacency. The India State of Forest Report 2023 indicates a reduction in forest density in certain regions, with areas of very dense and moderately dense forest shifting to open forests. This change could adversely affect biodiversity, soil health, and the ecosystem services forests provide. Globally, deforestation remains a challenge, with the current rate at 10.9 million hectares per year, despite progress in long-term forest management plans and protected area designations.
Global Forestry Trends
The FRA 2025 report also notes that deforestation has slowed worldwide, with South America and Africa showing significant declines in annual forest loss compared to previous decades. Over half of the world’s forests are now under long-term management plans, and about 20% are located within legally protected areas. Such measures are vital for meeting international commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The MGMM Outlook
India’s rise to the 9th position globally in forest area reflects a significant achievement in environmental stewardship, highlighting the country’s persistent efforts in afforestation and forest management. According to the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India maintains its third-place standing in annual forest gain, demonstrating the effectiveness of government initiatives, community-driven campaigns like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” and urban green space development. These efforts indicate a growing recognition of the importance of integrating ecological conservation with societal participation, even as pressures from urbanization and industrial growth continue to challenge sustainable development.
Despite this progress, concerns persist regarding forest density and ecosystem health in certain regions, where dense forests are gradually transitioning to more open areas. Such changes pose potential threats to biodiversity, soil vitality, and the broader ecological balance. While India’s achievements resonate positively on the global stage, sustaining and enhancing forest quality requires continued vigilance, comprehensive management policies, and active community engagement to ensure that growth in forest area translates into genuine ecological resilience.
(Sources: Hindustan Times, PIB, DD News)
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