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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Tree planting has become a globally popular strategy for ecosystem restoration, especially as countries commit to combating climate change and biodiversity loss. India has initiated several high-profile afforestation programs, yet their effectiveness is limited by factors such as species mismanagement, low survival rates, and community conflicts.
This white paper assesses India's approach to tree planting, drawing comparisons with international best practices and offering recommendations for a more effective restoration strategy.
Key findings include:
●India’s initiatives, including the Green India Mission (GIM) and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), face challenges related to budget constraints, low community participation, and survival rates of planted trees.
●Other nations like Brazil and Kenya have found success by prioritizing native species, community involvement, and integrating agroforestry.
●Key recommendations for India include enhancing native species planting, securing funding for maintenance, and developing policies for local stewardship.
1.Introduction
Context and Importance of Ecosystem Restoration in India
India’s rapid deforestation, combined with biodiversity loss and soil degradation, presents serious environmental and socio-economic challenges. Tree planting is a primary response to these issues, seen as a way to restore ecosystems, sequester carbon, and address land degradation. Yet, to achieve meaningful outcomes, it is essential that tree planting programs go beyond simply adding trees to landscapes; they must address root causes of deforestation and integrate ecological and social sustainability. This paper evaluates India’s approach to tree planting, highlighting areas where these initiatives can be improved to achieve genuine ecosystem restoration.
Objective of the White Paper
The objective of this paper is to review India’s tree-planting initiatives, assess the successes and limitations of current strategies, and propose actionable recommendations for improving the effectiveness of these programs. Drawing on successful international examples, we explore what India can learn from these efforts to enhance the ecological, economic, and social impact of its tree-planting schemes.
2.The State of Forest Degradation in India
India’s forests are under considerable pressure due to deforestation and degradation. Since 2013, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) reports that the country has lost approximately 1.6 million hectares of forest cover due to factors such as urbanization, mining, and agricultural expansion. This loss has resulted in a significant reduction in ecosystem services provided by forests, such as soil fertility, groundwater regulation, and carbon sequestration.
Forest degradation has had substantial impacts on biodiversity as well. For example, the Wildlife Institute of India reports that tiger populations have declined by 20% in areas experiencing rapid forest degradation, underscoring the importance of intact forests for supporting wildlife. Moreover, deforestation contributes approximately 10% of India’s total CO2 emissions, creating an additional barrier to meeting the country’s climate targets. Addressing forest degradation and restoring degraded ecosystems is thus crucial for India’s ecological and climate resilience.
3.Overview of Major Tree Planting and Ecosystem Restoration Initiatives in India
3.1 Government-Led Programs
India has implemented several large-scale afforestation and reforestation initiatives to combat deforestation and promote ecosystem recovery. One prominent initiative is the Green India Mission (GIM), launched in February 2014. It is part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), which aims to expand India’s forest cover to help mitigate climate change. With a budget of around INR 46,000 crore ($6 billion) over a decade, GIM seeks to plant trees across a targeted 5 million hectares. However, despite the scale of investment, progress has been limited. By 2023, only about 15% of the target area had been afforested, and survival rates of planted trees were estimated at around 50-60%. Funding shortages, delays in implementation, and lack of systematic monitoring are among the main obstacles hindering the program’s success. A 2022 report suggested that only about a third of planted areas retained ecological viability.
Another significant program, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), was established in 2004 after the Supreme Court's orders to offset forest loss due to industrial development. CAMPA is funded through fees paid by industries for deforestation permits, accumulating an estimated INR 54,000 crore ($7.2 billion). However, its effectiveness has been limited due to an over-reliance on fast-growing monocultures, like Eucalyptus, which offer low biodiversity benefits. Field reports indicate that CAMPA plantations have survival rates as low as 35% in arid regions, with only 20% of the sites meeting forest cover expectations. Limited transparency, weak monitoring, and insufficient post-planting care have contributed to these low outcomes.
Lastly, the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) launched in 2002 aims to restore degraded forests and includes community participation in its efforts. NAP has a smaller budget of INR 3,000 crore ($400 million) and focuses on state-level afforestation. Some states, such as Karnataka, have achieved higher success rates through local engagement, yet monoculture practices persist in certain areas, which undermines biodiversity and resilience. Though NAP has shown better survival rates in some cases, its scope remains relatively narrow.
3.2 State-Specific Initiatives
Maharashtra’s 50 Crore Tree Plantation Program: Set out to plant 50 crore (500 million) trees by 2022. Reports indicate a survival rate of less than 60% due to issues with site selection, water scarcity, and lack of aftercare.
Ganga Haritma Abhiyan in Uttar Pradesh: Launched to protect the Ganga river ecosystem, aiming to plant trees along its banks. The project has planted millions of saplings but faces challenges in maintenance and species diversity.
4.Challenges in Implementing Tree Planting as Ecosystem Restoration
India’s tree planting efforts face several challenges that limit their potential as effective tools for ecosystem restoration. One primary issue is the prevalence of monoculture plantations that rely on species like Eucalyptus and Acacia. These fast-growing trees can rapidly increase canopy cover but fail to support local biodiversity and often degrade soil quality over time. According to research by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), approximately 70% of monoculture sites experience significant declines in biodiversity, impacting the overall resilience and health of the ecosystem.
Another major challenge is low survival rates due to insufficient maintenance and monitoring. Planting projects frequently receive adequate initial funding, but limited budgetary support for long-term maintenance often results in high tree mortality rates. A 2023 study found that nearly 45% of CAMPA plantation sites in Maharashtra and Rajasthan reported mortality rates exceeding 50%, largely due to inadequate post-planting care.
A third challenge involves socio-economic conflicts and limited community involvement. Planting projects can inadvertently create conflicts over land use, particularly when they limit access to essential resources, such as grazing land, that local communities depend on. In Madhya Pradesh, for instance, villagers protested against CAMPA projects that restricted access to grazing land, highlighting the need for participatory approaches that consider local needs and rights. Without community support, tree planting efforts struggle to achieve long-term success and can sometimes do more harm than good to both ecosystems and local livelihoods.
5.Case Studies of Civil Society and Non-Profit Restoration Efforts
Sadhana Forest, Tamil NaduLocated in Tamil Nadu, Sadhana Forest is dedicated to large-scale reforestation with native species, integrating water conservation and community engagement into its efforts. Over the years, the organization has successfully planted more than 100,000 native trees, transforming degraded land into lush, green areas. Their focus on improving water retention has significantly restored groundwater levels, directly benefiting both the ecosystem and surrounding communities. Through community involvement and an emphasis on sustainable practices, Sadhana Forest has created a replicable model for ecological restoration.
Afforestt: Afforestt is a unique initiative focused on creating dense, native forests in urban and degraded areas across India using the Miyawaki Method. This approach involves planting native trees closely together, mimicking natural forests to boost biodiversity and accelerate growth. Afforestt has planted more than 300 small, dense forests throughout India, creating green oases that absorb carbon and enhance local biodiversity. These forests mature about 10 times faster than conventional reforestation efforts and have contributed significantly to carbon sequestration while offering a haven for native flora and fauna in urban landscapes.
The Nature Conservancy and Tata Trusts Collaboration
In Madhya Pradesh, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Tata Trusts have partnered on a Community Forest Rights project, which empowers local communities to manage their forests sustainably. By securing community rights and involving locals in forest management, the project has promoted sustainable practices and enhanced biodiversity. This initiative has also supported the regrowth of native forests, fostering species diversity and ecosystem resilience. Through community stewardship and increased awareness, this collaboration has not only improved the forested landscape but also brought economic and social benefits to the local population, promoting a sustainable model for forest management across similar regions in India.
6.Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Ecosystem Restoration
In addition to traditional tree planting, alternative methods such as Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) can play a critical role in ecosystem restoration. ANR supports the natural growth of vegetation, focusing on native species that enhance biodiversity. A recent report from the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) indicated that ANR achieved a 70% improvement in biodiversity in pilot areas compared to traditional plantation sites.
Agroforestry is another promising approach that combines agriculture with tree cover, allowing for simultaneous restoration and agricultural production. In Kerala, for example, agroforestry practices have successfully integrated coffee and rubber plantations with native trees, promoting biodiversity while also enhancing resilience to climate variability.
Community-based approaches like Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) can also improve restoration outcomes. In West Bengal, the Joint Forest Management initiative has increased forest cover by 40% and generated an additional 20% income for local communities, illustrating the potential for integrating local communities into restoration programs.
7.Global Best Practices and Recommendations for a Sustainable Ecosystem Restoration Strategy
Countries around the world have demonstrated innovative and successful tree-planting programs, offering valuable insights for India to enhance its afforestation efforts. For example, Brazil’s Atlantic Forest Restoration Program showcases the benefits of prioritizing native species and fostering collaboration among NGOs, government agencies, and private investors. By 2023, the program had restored over 700,000 hectares of degraded land, achieving a survival rate of 75%, significantly higher than India’s monoculture plantations. This success stems from strong community engagement and economic incentives for local farmers, which ensure both ecological resilience and socio-economic benefits.
Similarly, Kenya’s Green Belt Movement, founded by Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, highlights the transformative power of community ownership in restoration efforts. With over 51 million trees planted, the program has empowered local communities—especially women—to lead reforestation initiatives. By focusing on native species, it has enhanced soil fertility, improved water retention, and increased agricultural yields, demonstrating that restoration efforts can simultaneously benefit ecosystems and livelihoods.
New Zealand’s One Billion Trees Program further underscores the importance of integrating ecological and economic objectives. Combining tree planting with natural regeneration, the program uses region-specific approaches and emphasizes native flora for ecological benefits. Its 80% survival rate is attributed to robust monitoring and adaptive management, allowing for timely adjustments based on survival data and ecosystem feedback.
Building on these global models, India can develop a more sustainable and impactful ecosystem restoration strategy by addressing key gaps:
1. Prioritizing Native Species: Incorporating a higher proportion of native trees in afforestation programs would enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality, and increase resilience to pests and climate stressors. Lessons from Brazil and Kenya demonstrate that native species provide more sustainable ecosystem services compared to monocultures.
2. Strengthening Community Involvement: Empowering local communities to lead afforestation efforts is essential. As seen in Kenya’s success, providing economic incentives and fostering a sense of ownership can lead to better tree survival rates and long-term conservation outcomes. Supporting community-led frameworks would also generate livelihood benefits, creating a virtuous cycle of ecological and economic gains.
3. Investing in Monitoring and Adaptive Management: Leveraging technology, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), can enable real-time tracking of tree survival and growth. New Zealand’s approach to adaptive management serves as a model for making strategic adjustments to ensure the success of restoration efforts.
4. Diversifying Restoration Methods: Expanding beyond traditional tree planting to include Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and agroforestry practices can bolster ecological resilience and integrate livelihoods into restoration efforts. These methods ensure that restoration strategies are context-specific and aligned with the needs of both ecosystems and communities.
By adopting these recommendations and drawing inspiration from global best practices, India can enhance the ecological and socio-economic outcomes of its tree-planting programs, transforming them into a cornerstone of sustainable ecosystem restoration.
8.Conclusion
India’s tree-planting schemes need targeted reforms to improve their ecological and social impact. By focusing on native species, integrating community input, and diversifying restoration methods, India can create more resilient ecosystems. Drawing from global best practices and prioritizing sustainable outcomes, India’s afforestation efforts can be strengthened to address both environmental and socio-economic challenges, contributing effectively to national and global restoration goals.
Meet The Thought Leader
Laboni is a mentor at GGI and is currently working at The Bridgespan Group as a Senior Associate Consultant. She takes interest in socioeconomic development issues, public policy, and equity across
different vectors of gender, caste, class, and ability, which in turn fuelled her transition from working at a global bank to the social sector. She is an Urban Fellow from the Indian Institute for Human
Settlements, Bangalore and has a bachelor's degree in Economics from
St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi.
Meet The Authors (GGI Fellows)
A changemaker at heart, Sameer Singh is committed to driving impact through innovative and sustainable solutions. With a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and diverse experience in policy consulting, social enterprise, and community development, he brings a unique blend of strategy and execution. Currently a Fellow at the Global Governance Initiative, Sameer has driven transformative projects, such as boosting local tourism revenues by 45% through eco-tourism ventures and designing waste management strategies that reduced mismanagement by 75%. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Sameer is pursuing the UPSC journey with a deep focus on governance, policy, and social equity, aiming to create meaningful change at the grassroots level. Always ready to take on challenges, Sameer believes in empowering communities and crafting solutions that foster growth and sustainability while continuously learning from every experience.
If you are interested in applying to GGI's Impact Fellowship program, you can access our application link here.
References
1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2020). Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020: Main report. Rome, Italy: FAO. https://www.fao.org
2. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). (2019). State of Forest Report. Forest Survey of India. https://www.fsi.nic.in
3. The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). (2021). Assessing the Role of Tree Planting in Climate Change Mitigation: A Review of Indian Context. New Delhi, India: TERI Press.
4. Chazdon, R. L., & Brancalion, P. H. (2019). Restoring forests as a means to restore biodiversity.
5. Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the commons: The evolution of institutions for collective action. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
6. Sadhana Forest. (n.d.). Community-driven forest restoration in Tamil Nadu. https://sadhanaforest.org
7. Afforestt. (n.d.). Miyawaki Method and Urban Forests in India. https://afforestt.com
8. The Nature Conservancy & Tata Trusts. (2023). Community Forest Rights and Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons from Madhya Pradesh. New Delhi, India: Tata Trusts.
9. United Nations. (2021). The Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030. https://www.un.org
10. Agarwal, B. (2018). Gender and forest conservation: The impact of women’s participation in community forest governance.
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