Forests and Food: International Day Insights

Context:

This analysis explores the significance of the International Day of Forests 2025, observed on March 21, with the theme "Forests and Food." The piece emphasizes forests’ critical role in food security and biodiversity, alongside key findings from the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, providing valuable insights into environmental conservation and India’s forest cover trends as of March 22, 2025.

Crisp Information in Points:

1. Event Significance: The United Nations marks March 21 as the International Day of Forests to celebrate global forest cover and raise awareness of its importance, with 2025’s theme, “Forests and Food,” highlighting forests’ role in nutrition and livelihoods.
2. Forests as Food Providers: Forests supply fruits, nuts, leaves, honey, and medicinal plants, supporting food security for millions, especially indigenous communities reliant on these resources.
3. Global Context: The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes forests as “nature’s supermarkets,” offering nutrients vital for sustainable diets amid climate-driven crop challenges.
4. ISFR 2023 Release: India’s 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023), launched in December 2024 by the Environment Ministry, uses satellite data to map forest cover every two years.
5. Forest Cover Growth: India’s forest cover rose by 156.41 sq km from 2021 to 2023, reaching 715,342.61 sq km (21.76% of geographical area), though the increase slowed to 0.05% compared to 2021.
6. Decadal Trends: Forest cover grew by 0.61% from 2003-2013 (20.62% to 21.23%) but only by 0.53% from 2013-2023, indicating a decelerating expansion rate.
7. State Performances: Chhattisgarh led with a 683.62 sq km increase, followed by Uttar Pradesh (559.19 sq km), Odisha (558.57 sq km), and Rajasthan (394.46 sq km), showcasing regional conservation efforts.
8. Northeast Decline: Northeastern states saw a net forest cover drop of 327.30 sq km, with Mizoram as an exception (up 178 sq km), while Nagaland, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Assam recorded losses.
9. Mangrove Changes: Mangrove cover decreased by 7.43 sq km to 4,991.68 sq km, with Gujarat losing 36 sq km and Andaman and Nicobar Islands dropping 4.65 sq km, signaling coastal ecosystem stress.
10. Policy Relevance: The data underscores forests’ role in food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience, aligning with national goals and international commitments like the FAO’s initiatives.

Key Terms:

• International Day of Forests: Annual UN event on March 21 promoting forest awareness.
• Forests and Food: 2025 theme emphasizing forests’ role in nutrition and security.
• ISFR 2023: India’s biennial forest cover report released in December 2024.
• Forest Cover: Land area under natural or planted forests, 21.76% of India in 2023.
• FAO: UN Food and Agriculture Organization supporting global forest initiatives.
• Mangroves: Coastal ecosystems vital for biodiversity, reduced by 7.43 sq km.
• Food Security: Availability and access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Link To The Original Article – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-international-day-forest-2025-upsc-food-un-fao-9896610/