19th Commonwealth forestry meet concludes

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 7

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education Director-General Dr SC Gairola has described the 19th Commonwealth Conference that concluded today as a great learning experience for better understanding of global expectations from the world’s forests.

Addressing a press conference in Dehradun today, Dr SC Gairola said the five-day conference helped in identification of priority needs in forestry research, education, and extension, and insight on future pathways and emerging approaches.

“Commonwealth conference recommendations have amply elucidated that forests resources are in the forefront of national and global policy debates and they cannot be viewed as separate entity in space, narrow in political interest or sectoral in their economic function,” Dr Gairola pointed out. He said all recommendations of various sessions of the conference were being compiled and soon would be out in the form of report.

He also reminded that commonwealth nations had made significant contributions towards protection and conservation of forests and other natural ecosystems and wildlife. “India has made considerable progress in adoption of such approaches, particularly in the case of conservation of our iconic species such as tiger, elephant, snow leopard, Great Indian Bustard and Gangatic dolphin,” he said.

Sidhanta Das, Director-General and Special Secretary, Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, who was also present, said despite tremendous biotic pressures and reluctance at all levels, the country had succeeded in establishing a network of protected areas, their protection, improved management and consolidation.

Forest Research Institute Director Dr Savita was also present.