National Working Plan Code-2023 (NWPC) For Forest Management

The Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) has released the National Working Plan Code-2023 (NWPC) on the occasion of the ‘World Day To Combat Desertification & Drought.’ The NWPC incorporates the India Forest Management Standards (IFMS), which consists of eight comprehensive guidelines and rules applicable nationwide. These standards are measurable and represent a significant milestone in India’s forest management practices. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam environment and ecology segment.

8 Standards for Sustainable Forest Management – NWPC 2023

Development from Bhopal-India Process:

• The eight standards have been developed based on the Bhopal-India process, one of the global initiatives for sustainable forest management principles.
• This marks the first time scientists have created such standards for forest management in India that can be measured for results.

Holistic Approach:

• The eight standards focus independently on various aspects of sustainable forest management.
• They encompass soil and water conservation, forest resources, and the social, economic, and cultural aspects related to forests.

Consistent Management Across the Country:

• The NWPC mandates state forest departments to engage in continuous data collection and updating.
• This ensures that forests are managed consistently across the country.

Inclusion of Sustainable Forest Management Principles:

• The principles of sustainable forest management have been incorporated into forest management planning in India.
• Field data collection techniques have been standardized to achieve uniformity throughout the country, aligning with the Forest Survey of India’s techniques.

The Eight Standards for Sustainable Forest Management

1. Maintenance/Increase in Forest and Tree Cover: Focuses on preserving and expanding the extent of forest and tree cover.
2. Conservation of Biodiversity, including Wildlife: Aims to maintain, conserve, and enhance biodiversity, with specific attention to wildlife conservation.
3. Forest Health, Regeneration, and Vitality: Emphasizes maintaining and enhancing forest health, vitality, and regeneration through appropriate measures.
4. Soil and Water Conservation: Highlights the importance of conserving soil and water resources within forest ecosystems.
5. Forest Resource Productivity: Aims to maintain and enhance the productivity of forest resources for sustainable utilization.
6. Optimization of Forest Resource Utilization: Promotes the efficient and responsible use of forest resources, ensuring their optimal utilization.
7. Social, Economic, and Cultural Benefits: Focuses on maintaining and enhancing the social, economic, and cultural benefits derived from forests.
8. Policy, Legal, and Institutional Framework: Ensures the adequacy and effectiveness of policies, laws, and institutions related to forest management.

Conclusion: The introduction of the eight standards by ICFRE represents a significant step towards sustainable forest management in India. By setting measurable guidelines, these standards aim to promote consistent and holistic forest management practices across the country, addressing ecological, social, and economic aspects.

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