‘Forests are not only for economy, but also for peace’: Union forest minister on Int’l Day of Forests

Dehradun: Marking the International Day of Forests on Saturday, Union forest minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated a two-day programme titled "Promoting Forest-based Sustainable Bioeconomy: Issues and Challenges" at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun. The event, themed "Forests and Economies", was organised by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasised that "forests are not only for economy, but also for peace". He urged foresters to carry the spirit of trusteeship in shaping forest policies rather than approaching them as mere policymakers. He stressed that nature is supreme and coexistence is essential for human survival, adding that conservation goes beyond tree planting and requires preservation of the entire ecosystem.He also called for stronger inter-departmental coordination and pointed to the importance of cultural values, carbon credits and the Green Credit Programme (GCP) in sustaining forest resources.ICFRE director general Kanchan Devi highlighted the importance of bioeconomy in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. "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," she said.Sushil Kumar Awasthi, director general of forests and special secretary in the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF&CC), said nearly 275 million people depend on forests and stressed that conservation must balance ecology, economy and social justice, with development and environment being complementary.Following the inaugural session, representatives of Himalayi Nagrik Drishti Manch, an Uttarkashi-based collective for conservation, submitted a memorandum to MoEF&CC officials, citing violations in the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone and seeking an inspection by committee members.The two-day workshop features technical sessions on agroforestry, non-wood forest products, engineered wood, carbon markets, wildlife conservation, ecotourism and digital monitoring. It brings together scientists, policymakers, industry stakeholders and forest managers to deliberate on strengthening India's forest-based bioeconomy, identifying challenges and shaping policy interventions.