The first ever Indian Forest Congress was inaugurated by Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of Environment and Forests in New Delhi. The mega-event from November 22 to 25 is being attended by the invited National and International Experts, Officers from the Government of India, Forest Department, Scientists, Farmers, NGOs and others.
There are five themes and 28 sub themes running concurrently, at NASC Complex. Special JFM conclave is also slated for November 24. The United Nations has declared the year 2011 as International Year of Forests and organization of First Indian Congress culminates the year long celebrations of as many as 36 events during the international year of Forests.
The Minister of Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan, in her inaugural address called for more scientific analysis of the issues relating to Forest Management in the country, in the midst of ever burgeoning pressure on the forests and climate change threat. She urged for developing reliable data at the state level on forest biomass, increment, Non-timber Forest Products, Eco-tourism, etc.
She urged the need for strengthening the forest bureaucracy in order to meet the increasing pressure on the forests.
The minister released bookds entitled “Voices from the Field”, “Forestry in the Service of Nation-ICFRE Technologies” and “Status of JFM in India” all published by ICFRE on the occasion of the Forestry Congress. The books give a glimpse of Innovations in the field of forestry and coutribution of forestry departments for welfare of people.
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Member of Rajya Sabha welcomed the initiatives of the ICFRE to organize the First Forest Congress. Dr. Swaminathan lamented the fact that political commitment for Forest Conservation as shown by late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is lacking today. He stressed the need for the ICFRE conduct focused research on Coastal Managing.
Hills and Dry Zones of the country.
The Director General of Foests & Special Secretary to Government of India, Dr. P.J. Dilip Kumar stressed the nee for empowering and capacity building of the JFM Committees.
Dr. V.K. Bahuguna, Director General ICFRE, says massive investment in Forestry sector is imperative not only for the Forest Management, but also for ensuring food and water security in the country.
Caitilin Wiesen, Country Director of UNDP-India stated that UNDP is supporting that UNDP is supporting the efforts of mainstreaming the biodiversity conservation and forest based livelihoods. She welcomed the theme areas selected for the Congress and pledged support of UNDP to ICFRE.
Dr. S.S. Negi, Chairman Organizing Committee said that the Congress was very well attended by over 600 delegates.
