NEW DELHI, SEP 29 (PTI): Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on Tuesday said conservation has become more complex, with forest officers required to manage entire ecological landscapes while balancing development, livelihoods, human aspirations and the needs of wildlife.
The minister also said that the forest service is entrusted with the stewardship of India’s natural capital and acknowledged the contribution of frontline forest personnel, including beat guards, rangers and other staff, who patrol forests, respond to forest fires and protect wildlife habitats.
Yadav made these comments during his address at the fourth Eco Warrior Awards and Eco Warrior Conclave, organised by the Indian Forest Service Association (IFSA) and Indian Masterminds, in New Delhi.
The event brought together senior forest officers, conservationists, policymakers, scientists, civil society representatives and industry representatives to recognise outstanding contributions to forest, wildlife and environmental conservation.
During his address, Yadav said that the contribution of frontline forest personnel must never be forgotten, and they are the people who convert conservation policy into conservation on the ground.
At a different event, held in New Delhi on Tuesday morning, the minister handed over the first PRAMAAN certificates under the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS). PRAMAAN stands for Programme for Recognition and Accreditation of Sustainable Management Practices for Agroforestry And Natural forestry resources.
It is a nationally accepted, credible and transparent framework for certification of forests, wood and non-timber forest products with the mission to promote linkages to domestic and international markets for certified forests and agroforestry products.
The IFWCS-PRAMAAN certificate enhances the social and ecological values of India’s forests, agroforestry systems and the Indian wood-based industries.
On Tuesday, PRAMAAN certificates were presented to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (APFDC) for its plantations over an area of 33,000 hectares, and to Govind Mohapatra, a farmer associated with the Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA).
