India Drives Global Vision for Forest Restoration at FAO Committee

India highlighted its major forest restoration achievements at the 28th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28) in Rome, held from September 28 to October 2, 2026. Delivering the national statement, India reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forest management and climate resilience, while urging global partners to support country-led execution, technology transfer, and sustainable financing.

According to the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, India ranks 9th globally in total forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain. The country’s forest and tree cover now spans 82.74 million hectares—representing 25.17% of its total landmass. On climate action, India generated an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2021, setting a higher target of 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes by 2035.

Under the Bonn Challenge, India has restored 21.76 million hectares of degraded land toward its 26-million-hectare goal for 2030. Key initiatives include targeting 6.45 million hectares under the Aravalli Green Wall, advancing coastal mangrove recovery via MISHTI, expanding Ramsar wetland sites to 101, and planting over 3.5 billion saplings through the nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

India urged international bodies to move beyond promises toward measurable ground-level outcomes, enhanced South-South cooperation, and direct access to climate finance. India also pledged support for the upcoming UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation (2027–2036) to build resilient, productive ecosystems globally.