PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav said that nature is supreme and that coexistence with it is essential for human survival. He was speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on issues and challenges in promoting forest-based sustainable bioeconomy organised by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) here on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, he noted that forest conservation goes beyond tree planting and requires preservation of the entire ecosystem. He called for greater inter-departmental coordination to promote a holistic forestry approach, and highlighted the importance of cultural values, the Green Credit Programme (GCP) and carbon credits in sustaining forest resources. Forests are not just for the economy, but also for peace, the minister added.
ICFRE director general Kanchan Devi highlighted the workshop’s relevance and the importance of the bioeconomy in the current scenario, particularly in addressing challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. She emphasised that a forest-based bioeconomy can enable sustainable and scientific use of forest resources, promote inclusive growth, generate rural employment and strengthen community-based development while ensuring conservation.
Director general of Forests and special secretary at MoEFCC, Sushil Kumar Awasthi said that nearly 275 million people depend on forests and stressed that conservation must balance ecology, economy and social justice, with development and environment being complementary.
MoEFCC secretary Tanmay Kumar highlighted the country’s increment in forest area, attributing it to strong community participation and emphasised the need to further strengthen the forest–economy linkage through initiatives such as the Green Credit Programme (GCP), carbon credits and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
According to ICFRE officials, the two-day workshop focuses on key themes including forest-based bio-products and their commercialisation, sustainable forest management, policy frameworks, entrepreneurship and the role of innovation in advancing the bioeconomy. It highlights the sustainable use of forest resources to create value-added products, support local livelihoods, and reduce pressure on natural forests. Technical sessions cover agroforestry, non-wood forest products, engineered wood products, forest industries, carbon markets, wildlife conservation, ecotourism and digital monitoring. Scientists, policymakers, industry stakeholders and forest managers from across the country are attending the workshop to deliberate on strengthening India’s forest-based bioeconomy, focusing on identifying key challenges, exploring opportunities, and informing policy and strategic interventions in the sector.
