Concerns of Forestry sector in Madhya Pradesh :

Madhya Pradesh is endowed with rich forest resource and biodiversity. The role of forest in the ecosysytem is now very much evident and thus conservation and preservation of these forests is crucial and forms utmost priority of the state. They have an important function in maintaining the river flow, which is a major source of irrigation. Apart from providing regulatory services forest are also important from the socio economic perspective. MP has a large tribal population which is socially, culturally and economically dependent on forests for their sustenance.

Concerns of Forestry sector :

Forest cover is changing and degrading due to various anthropogenic pressures despite the fact that modern technology particularly fire surveillance and other protection measures have been intensified in the state. Increased dependence on forests for fuelwood and timber, diversion of forest lands for nonforestry purpose; encroachments are some of the main concerns of the sector. 

Strategies for Forestry sector :

1. Development of Sustainable Forest Management Plans for different forest types in view of Climate Change: Detailed studies are recommended to understand impacts of Climate Change on forest productivity in different forest types using different climate and biodiversity models. This would help in developing climate resilient forest management plans. Revival of preservation plots, sample plots & yield plots is also recommended.To move from business as usual scenario adaptation plans for each forest type of MP according to their biophysical vulnerabilities to Climate Change should be developed and implemented.

2. Enhancing the levels of forest conservation, afforestation, reforestation activities through viable models: Most forest areas of the State are well demarcated on the ground and on map. However in view of implementation of FRA, 2006 there may be some honey-combing and fragmentation. Proper demarcation of forest boundaries in view of the vulnerability of remaining forest areas from further encroachments is needed. Similarly for sustainable PA management the forest/ wildlife corridors need to be identified for connecting different National Parks and Sanctuaries of the State. This will allow conservation and migration of gene pool from high concentration areas to lower concentration.

 3. Prioritise soil and water conservation in forest management: The role of forests in conserving the biodiversity and the hydrological function performed by forests needs to be re-emphasized to prepare for meeting the challenges posed by Climate Change. The catchment area treatments need to be taken on high priority basis with scientific approach. An integrated approach is required to treat the landscape irrespective of its current uses (Forest, grassland, agriculture etc). Integrated watershed management with the help of silvi-pasture development shall be promoted in the forest fringe areas. Identification of critical areas within forests for soil and water conservation should be undertaken. Similarly, water harvesting and storage structures in the form of water bodies, wetlands etc should be created in the forest areas. This would help in soil moisture conservation and would also provide drinking water to wildlife.

4. Research on the impact of Climate Change on the forest types and forest based ecosystem services: Developing ‘centres of excellence’ to undertake regional analysis for the entire spread of forest types and Climate Change related threats analysis using climate models. Researches to forecast the likely impact of Climate Change phenomenon in forest areas, to assess the vulnerability, carbon sequestration potential and adaptability of indigeneous tree species should be undertaken on high priority. The state has developed well organised fire detection and control mechanism using IT application. These efforts have been helpful in reducing the risk of extensive forest fire. Documentation of the initiatives like PPAs, MPCAs, Community Conserved Areas and exploring the possibility of more such initiatives to involve and develop sense of ownership among the communities for conservation of forests.

5. Capacity building: Orientation of the forest managers, officers and workers to the implications of Climate Change on forest ecosystem as a whole with emphasis on impact on forest growth, carbon sequestration, water balance and overall effect on the productivity of different ecosystems. Imparting training to communities on various schemes /programmes /associated benifits of social forestry, water conservation, market instruments etc so that they could participate in such initiatives and build their adaptive capacities. Programmes such as “Nav Bihan” launched for the JFMC members of Madhya Pradesh by the M P Forest Department should be replicated for other targeted stakeholders.

6. Promote use of alternate source of energy in forest villages and adjoining revenue villages: So far the forest dwellers have been mostly dependent on forest biomass for lighting, cooking and heating. They need to be encouraged for the use of non conventional source of energy (eg solar) for these purposes. Interventions like green livelihoods (eg: Lighting a Billion Lives programme) to promote alternate fuel use and mechanism to support these interventions need to be done.

7. Livelihood security of Forest Dependent Communities: There is need to strengthen( Non-Timber Forest Products) NTFP focused forest management to help forest dependent communities adapt to Climate Change. Traditional sources of livelihood dependent on like Lac & Kosa shall also be enhanced and related skill building programmes should be undertaken. Ecology linked programmes like ecotourism have emerged as potential for enhanced employment and income to local people, these should be built in proper way so that real aim of these programmes could be acheived. Involving the communities in the conservation of the forest and providing opportunity for forest based livelihoods like silviculture, lac culture honey collection etc need to be taken up on high priority basis. The government of Madhya Pradesh has been very liberal, perhaps the only state to recognize the community efforts in conservation of forests and therefore has agreed to distribute substantial part of forest revenue for the welfare of indigenous people.

8. Biodiversity Conservation: Biodiversity is the basis of life and changing climate poses great threat to it. There is a need to strengthen biodiversity institutional mechanism and integrate Climate Change concerns in the Biodiversity Action Plan. There is urgent need to identify ecologically fragile areas, Rare Endangered Threatened (RET) species, Alien Invasive Species (AIS) to supplement working plans for biodiversity conservation.

9. Enhance green cover outside forests: To create good forest cover it is necessary to bring the non forest areas also under green cover. This could be achieved by giving impetus to social forestry, agro forestry and under trees outside forests (TOFs) mainly along roads, canals, railways etc. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has planted with the help of local communities, 1.5 crores saplings of Bamboo in Bamboo Year 2010 and 20 lakh plus saplings of Mohua & Khamer on non forest lands. Such initiatives need to be intensified with convergence of other departments.

10. Vulnerability mapping of Forests of M.P. : Vulnerability mapping of the forest ecosystem and livelihood of forest dependent communities with reference to Climate Change with the help of indicators like: Forest Cover Map, Wastelend Atlas, Vulnerability Maps, Watershed Atlas, Socioeconomic Atlas, Ethnicity, Poverty Index etc should be taken up and accordingly the adaptation plans should be made and implemented in the state.

11. Participation of People : The state has already been engaged in promoting people’s participation in sustainable forest management. Over 15000 JFMCs(Joint Forest Management Committee) have already been formed in the state. These need to be strengthened and actively involved in sustainable forest development activities. Community participation in conservation and monitoring actities should be encouraged in order to resolve the conflict between forest and people. This would inculcate sense of owenership among the communities.