The spread of planted forests has been accelerating. Planted forests now cover nearly 264 million hectares, comprising nearly 7 percent of total forest area. Some 80 percent of the people living in developing countries depend on non-timber forest products, such as fruits and herbs, for their primary health Approximately 14 million people worldwide are formally and nutritional needs employed in the forestry sector.

Sources : Adams, E. 2012, World Forest Area Still on the Decline, http://210.212.144.11/ntfp/index.html 4 1.2 Biodiversity & Forest Ecosystem : India Scenario

5 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM INDIA SCENARIO

According to Global Forest Resource Assessment (GFRA), India is at 10th position in terms of forest area in the world.

As per India State of Forest Report 2013, the forest cover of India is 6,97,898 sq km, which is about 21% of the total geographical area

Over 45,000 plant species and Important National Legislations: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 91,000 species of animals • • Indian Forest Act, 1927 have been recorded in India • Forest (conservation) Act, 1980 • Protection of plant varieties and Farmers Right Act, 2001 India is house to 4 of the 34 • Biological Diversity Act, 2002 identified biodiversity • The Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest dwellers, hotspots (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 • The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

National Parks = 102 REDD+ Wildlife Sanctuaries = 527 India has come out with a draft national policy on 'reducing Community Reserves = 4 emissions from deforestation and forest degradation' (popularly Total Area under Protected known as REDD+ initiative) which will enable local communities to Areas = 1,66,852 sq. km get financial incentives for increasing forest cover

Sources : Forest & Environment Department, Government of India 6 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: INDIA SCENARIO

India signed the United Nations 3 tier structure is in Functions of NBA: Convention on Biological place to achieve Advise the government of India on Diversity (CBD) in 1992. the objectives of • matters relating to conservation of BDA, 2002 biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and equitable sharing of Objectives: benefits arising out of utilization of • Conservation of biological biological resources National Level: diversity • Regulate activities and issue guidelines National for access and benefit sharing • Sustainable use of its Biodiversity • Take necessary measures to oppose the components Authority (NBA) grant of IPR in any country outside India • Fair and equitable sharing of on any biological resources obtained the benefits arising out of from India or knowledge associated commercial utilization of with such biological resources derived State Level: from India biological resources and State Biodiversity traditional knowledge • Advice the State Government in the Board (SBB) selection of areas of biodiversity importance to be notified as “Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS)” and To fulfill the above objectives, Local Level: suggest measures for their the Biological Diversity Act, Biodiversity management 2002 (BDA, 2002) was enacted Management • Provide guidance to BMCs in 2003. Committees (BMCs) • Other functions to achieve goals of BDA, 2002 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 7 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM INDIA SCENARIO: FOREST & LIVELIHOOD

There are around 1.73 lakh villages located in and around forests. Almost 40 to 60 per cent of their total income is derived from sale of forest products

Forestry & logging contributes People living in these forest fringe to nearly 1.2 percent to India's villages depend upon forest for a GDP variety of goods and services like The Indian forest products collection of edible fruits, medicines; industry had total revenue of firewood for cooking (some also sale in USD 65,844.6 million in the market); materials for agricultural 2011, representing a implements; fodder for livestock; and compound annual growth rate collection of a range of marketable non- (CAGR) of 5.5 percent between timber forest products. 2007 and 2011

Sources : Forest & Environment Department, Government of India; TERI; http://www.iifm.ac.in/sites/default/files/working/IIFMWP-13-10-01.pdf 8 1.3 Biodiversity & Forest Ecosystem: Gujarat Scenario

9 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM FOREST COVER IN GUJARAT

The Forest area of Gujarat is about 11.05 % of total geographical area of the State

Increase in forest cover (in sq. km.) Forest Cover map of Gujarat

14,619 14,653 16,000 12,913 11,907 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 1991 2001 2011 2013

Estimated tree cover outside forest area is around 7,837 km sq (~4 percent of the geographical area of the state)

Bamboo bearing area in the forests of the state is around 4,091 km sq.

Has almost 1315 species of medicinal plants

Sources : Department of Forest, Government of Gujarat, http://www.fsi.org.in/cover_2013/gujrat.pdf, Socio Economic Review 2013- 14 10 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM BIOGEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE IN GUJARAT

Gujarat contains four out of the ten biogeographic zones in India and covers six major ecosystems

Natural ecosystems of Gujarat range from wetlands (34,750 sq. km), grasslands (8,483 sq. km) and deciduous forests (18,868 sq. km) to deserts (23,000 sq. km). Its coastline, which spreads across almost 1600 km, houses variety of coastal ecosystems like mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries and mudflats

Out of 16 Forest types found in India, 4 are present in Gujarat

Moist and dry deciduous forest are located mainly in the eastern belt from Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests Banaskantha to Valsad

The State harbors 14 percent of fish, 9 percent amphibians, 19 percent of reptiles, 37 percent of birds and 25 percent of the mammals recorded in the country Littoral and Swamps (including Mangroves) Thorn Forests

Sources : http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/radioserials/indian_flora.pdf, , Department of Forest, Government of Gujarat 11 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM BIODIVERSITY

Gujarat is very rich in biodiversity, owing to varied biogeographic zones. So far, 4,228 species of plants and 2,728 species of animals have been recorded.

Out of the 8 threatened mammalian species in India, each having a single population in the world, 2 of them (the Asiatic lion and Wild Ass) are found only in Gujarat

Almost 8.6 percent of state’s geographical area is protected wildlife area.

The rare great Indian bustard reserves, the world's only four-horned antelope and the Black Buck are some other valued species protected in Gujarat

Sources : , Department of Forest, Government of Gujarat 12 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM WETLANDS IN GUJARAT

The extent of wetlands in Gujarat is about 34,750 sq. km (17.6% of the state’s geographical area) and 62% & 5.7% of India’s coastal wetlands and inland wetlands respectively are in Gujarat Gujarat’s wetlands can be categorized in three types: (i) Inland 9 protected areas have been identified wetlands, in the wetlands of the state: (ii) Coastal wetlands, and (iii) The Rann • Great Rann Wildlife Sanctuary • Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann • Marine National Park • Marine Sanctuary • Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary • Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary • Porbandar Bird Sanctuary • Khijadia Bird Sanctuary • Chharidhund Conservation Reserve Great White Pelican, Nalsarovar Oriental Darter and Cormorant Western Reef Egret near at Khijadia Bird Sanctuary Jamnagar coast

Diversity of flora and fauna is high in the wetlands of Gujarat. • A total of 3,23 species of wetlands of India are endemic or globally threatened, and at least 30 of them are from Gujarat. • Of 114 endemic wetland plants of India, Giant Sea Anemone in Marine Avicennia marina in Marine 11 are found in the wetlands of Gujarat White Rann National Park, Jamnagar National Park, Jamnagar

13 Sources: Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 1.3 Gujarat Scenario

Key Government Initiatives and Areas for Collaboration

14 COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES ECOTOURISM

Eco Development Development Development of of modern Livelihood/Pr Eco friendly infrastructure technology for oductivity vehicles and facility for preservation enhancement Eco Tourism of sites activities

Non- Training and conventional capacity sources of building of Development of Land Use energy in & government research, pattern around officials and laboratories Management protected community areas

Corridor Habitat Wildlife Development, Water resource improvement rescue and linking various development treatment eco tourism sites Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 15 COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES: ECOTOURISM UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS: SITES FOR ECOTOURISM (1/2)

Sasan Gir, Junagadh Flamingo city, Kutch Saputara

Located in the mudflats of the Rann, Saputara Hill Station is located in the It is the sole home of the Asiatic Lions the area is the largest breeding and is considered to be one of the Sahyadri Hill at an altitude of ground of flamingos, a migratory most important protected areas. approximately 1,000 metres species. Mangroves, Gulf of Kutch & Banni Grasslands, Kutch The Ranns, Kutch Khambhat

Has been identified as the last Gujarat holds nearly quarter of Are the world’s only saline desert remaining habitats of the Cheetah in spread in 25,000 sq. km. and is India’s mangrove cover and so far 14 India and a species of mangroves have been house to several sanctuaries and possible reintroduction site for reserves 16 identified the species COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES: ECOTOURISM NATIONAL PARKS & SANCTUARIES: SITES FOR ECOTOURISM (2/2)

Gujarat has a varied landscape which includes dry deciduous forests, majestic grasslands, wetlands, marine ecosystems and rich moist deciduous forests. These habitats are home to some extremely rare wildlife such as Asiatic Lion, Wild Ass, etc

Sanctuaries

1. Gir Wild Life Sanctuary 12. Gaga Wild Life Sanctuary

2. Wild Ass Sanctuary 13. Rampara Sanctuary

3. Nal Sarovar Birds Sanctuary 14. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary

4. Jessore Sloth Bear 15. Shoolpaneshwar Sanctuary Sanctuary

5. Barda Wild Life Sanctuary 16. Porbandar Birds Sanctuary

6. Hingolgadh Sanctuary 17. Pania Wild Life Sanctuary

7. Marine Sanctuary 18. Balaram Ambaji Sanctuary 19. Jambuhoda Sanctuary 8. Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary 20. Purna Wild Life Sanctuary National Parks 9. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary 21. Kutch Bustard Sanctuary 1. Gir Forest National Park 3. Vansda National Park 10. Ratanmahal Sanctuary 22. Mitiyala Wildlife 2. Blackbuck National Park 4. Marine National Park 11. Kutch Desert Sanctuary Sanctuary 17 GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND AREAS FOR COLLABORATION MARINE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & PARK

India’s first Marine Wildlife Sanctuary and first Marine National Park were created here in the Gulf of Kutch in 1980 and 1982, respectively

It is an archipelago of 42 tropical islands along Sea Anemone Octopus the northern coast of Jamnagar district and the southern coast of Kutch, covering an area of 458 sq. km

Landforms include grasslands, marshy areas, rocky shores, mudflats, creeks, estuaries, sandy strands, coral reefs, and mangroves

Platecoral Houses 52 coral species, about 80 bird species including Painted Stork, Darter and Black-necked Ibis and smaller cetaceans like Common Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin, etc

Some of the finest coral reef fringe islands are found at Pirotan, Narala, Birds at Pirotan island Ajad and Positara

Gujarat has the longest coastline in India with rich biodiversity. Similar marine parks and museums can be established along the coast of Gulf of Khambhat with water activities like snorkeling, fishing, etc 18 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat, Tourism Department, Government of Gujarat SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT GUJARAT FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (GFDP)

Communities involved in the project have experienced improved infrastructural facilities, developed economic activities and have diversified their income structure.

Objectives Project Activities include

• Enhance the quality and extent of forest through improved forest management, rehabilitation and 1 Forest Development Management protection and livelihood of the population in the project villages. This involves diversification of the households’ economic activities and improvement of 2 Social Forestry Development Management the local infrastructure 3 Wildlife Conservation and Development • Training of the community members for better implementation of forest management regimes and alternative production techniques 4 Community / Tribal Development

Project Area Support activities like survey, capacity building, 5 research etc 12 Tribal & 3 Non Tribal Districts 13 Territorial Forest Division (including 6 PAs) & 1 Territorial sub division, 1 Wildlife Division (1 PA), 10 Social Forestry Divisions of Project Period Project Cost Gujarat State. Forest areas in Rajkot Forest Division for Grass lands and Jamnagar MNP division, Kutch (W) 2007-08 to 2016-17 ~USD 130 million /Kutch (E) division for Mangroves

Sources : https://www.giz.de/en/downloads/giz2012-gujarat-forestry-development-is-en.pdf, http://www.gujaratforest.org/project-at-glance.htm 19 SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT GUJARAT FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (GFDP)

Success Story: Custard Apple

Six Joint Forest In consultation Sales ~Averag ~Total Management Committees with the state Market quantity e rate Income (JFMCs) formed in Forest (kg) USD/ kg (USD) Chhotaudepur Forest Department, the Reliance Division of Vadodara JFMCs decided to 7,138 0.4 2,855 Fresh District. The region collectively market naturally grows variety of the custard apple Mandi 3,600 0.17 589 custard apple and linkages were established with Mandi 3,080 0.12 382 fruit markets Total 13.818 3,826

Total Villages involved = 6

Net Profit = ~USD 3,260

They collected nearly 13.8 tons of custard apple and sold them to fruit markets of The experiment was taken as a pilot Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Reliance Fresh and has now been expanded to three in Vadodara. They earned a net profit of clusters of about 30 JFMC villages of ~USD 3,260 in 11 – day season Chhotaudepur Forest Division

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 20 SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT SPECIAL SCHEME FOR MEDICINAL PLANTS: GUGAL

“Gugal” (Commiphora wightii) an important Ayurvedic plant is decreasing. To address this, the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), India sanctioned a Gugal project of ~USD 1.28 million to increase its production. Objectives Undertake baseline survey / inventory for Gugal distribution in Gujarat Establish MPCAs for Gugal in medicinal plants hotspots Identify CPTs and seed production areas Afforest and promote the cultivation of important medicinal plant species

Standardize sustainable harvesting methods of Gujarat Scenario conservation concern species • Financial outlay USD 2.905 Million for 2007-08 to Supplement supply of Gugal gum resin for its use in 2009-2010; Amount spent – USD 2.903 Million the Ayurvedic medicines • 7661 Ha planted against a target of 6486 Ha Explore the commercial viability of Gugal as an • 0.5 million plants distributed to farmers (against a option for farmers in degraded lands / NWFP focus target of 0.5 million) species • 400 Ha planted during 2012-2013

21 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT SPECIAL SCHEME FOR MEDICINAL PLANTS: DASHMOOL

National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), India sanctioned INR 500 lac to fulfill the increasing demand and improve the quality of medicinal plants used in preparation of Ayurvedic medicine called “Dashmool”

Objectives Work Strategy Conservation and development of dashmool Establishment of Medicinal Plant Development Areas for plants dashmool plants, distribution of seedlings and supporting activities like marketing infrastructure and HRD. Standardization of sustainable harvesting Establishment of medicinal Plant Development Areas Enhancement of the people’s participation

Empowerment of local people Concentrated Forest areas of 500 ha. For Dashmool 1 plantations in Valsad, Surat and Narmada districts Improvement of the economic condition of local people Shivan, Bael, Patala, Tetu, Arni, Pithvan and 2 Salparni are proposed for plantations. Development of the data base 3 Plant population of 5625/ha Stakeholders Traditional practitioners and health healers, Annual harvesting of the roots of the shrubs, three Pharmaceutical industries and traders, Forest 4 year cycle for tree species under hedge department, Research organizations, Universities, NGOs, GSFDC Ltd., AYUSH. 5 Mechanism for replanting of harvested areas 22 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT DHANVANTRI - AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS & WILD HONEY PROCESSING UNIT

Scope of adding many more herbal product including MFP to augment resource mobilization and employment generation for the tribal and rural poor Objectives: Opportunities: • To enhance the collection of existing MFP • GSFDC is planning upgradation of the unit • To ensure expansion and growth of the Corporation as well as looking to its current manufacturing capacity diversifying the activity and income bases in the long run against the demand for its products in the market and Government Ayurvedic Colleges and Hospitals • During the year 2014-15, the Corporation has planned to establish a Modern Laboratory and latest machineries and equipments to improve on both on quality control and capacity building Achievements: • The unit manufactures 22 types of Powder (Churna), 4 types of Tablets, 2 types of Oil and 8 types of Proprietary products • GSFDC has a processing capacity of 1,50,000 kgs. per annum for Honey • State-of-art fully automatic Honey treatment plant and bottle filling plant to guarantee the ‘organic’ characteristics of honey to the valued customers • Current network of retail sale counters spread throughout the State viz; Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Ambaji, Junagadh, Jamnagar & Rajkot with a view to ensure required supply of genuine forest products and ayurvedic medicines to the consumers • Dhanvantari unit is a leading supplier of Honey to various Dairies viz. Sugam Dairy (Vadodara), Vasudhara Dairy (Chikhali, Dist. Navsari), Banas Dairy (Palanpur) for Ice cream manufacturing

Sources : Gujarat State Forest Development Corporation Limited (GSFDC) 23 SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT MINOR FOREST PRODUCE (MFP) AND MEDICINAL PLANT MATERIAL COLLECTION

Assist the tribals fetch a remunerative price for the MFP collected by them through the mechanism of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and removal of middlemen Objectives: • Collection/procurement, processing and marketing of MFP • Introducing various schemes for tribal farmers including cultivation of medicinal plants by the tribal farmers and buy back of these raw drugs by the Corporation at remunerative rates • Conduct training programs for tribal farmers through seminars with the help of experts Impact • Through the Gujarat MFP Trade Nationalization Act, 1979, the trade of four MFPs viz., the Timru leaf, Mhowra flower, Mhowra Seeds and Gums were nationalized in Gujarat • Besides Timru Leaves (Bidi Leaves), Mohwra Flowers (Madhuca indica), Mohwra Seeds, Puwad (Cassia tora), all types of gums and Wild Honey and about 100 other MFPs are collected and traded by the Corporation • Collection and sale of MFPs by the tribals generate employment particularly during summer when other income generation opportunities do not exist

Opportunities: Achievements: • Increased trade of other MFPs • The Corporation pays approximately USD other than the four 0.1 million to USD 0.2 million per annum as nationalized MFPs procurement expenditure to the tribals • Partnership with marketing • After introduction of PESA and Forest Rights companies to get better Act (FRA), GSFDC has been doing these remuneration from the trade activities on behalf of Panchayats and of MFPs Tribals respectively on no profit no loss basis

Sources : Gujarat State Forest Development Corporation Limited 24 SUPPLY CHAIN AND LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT STATE BAMBOO MISSION: TOWARDS A BETTER LIVELIHOOD

Project on Bamboo Development in Gujarat State under National Bamboo Mission

To promote the growth of the bamboo sector through as an area based 1 regionally differentiated strategy

To increase the coverage of area under bamboo in potential areas, 2 with improved varieties to enhance yields

To promote marketing of bamboo and bamboo based handicrafts Objectives 3 Objectivesand to generate employment opportunities

To establish convergence and synergy among stake-holders for the 4 development bamboo The full length bamboos are supplied to primitive tribe To promote, develop and disseminate technologies through a seamless 5 individual and co-operatives at blend of traditional wisdom and modern scientific knowledge concessional rates

25 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES ECO DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

World Bank assisted Eco Development Scheme has been implemented around the Gir Sanctuary since 1998 - 99 OBJECTIVES:

Improved Protected Area Management • Improve Protected area Planning Process and Building Capacity • Protect and Manage Eco-System and Habitat • Upgrading Amenities for the Protected area Staff Village Eco Development Effective and The model is now being • Participatory Micro-planning and Extensive Support for Protected replicated across the state implementation Support. Area Management Through: • Reciprocal Commitments to Forest Alternative Livelihoods and • Environmental Education Resource Uses • Impact Monitoring and • J.F.M. and Voluntary Research Relocation Options

26 Source: Forest Department, Government of Gujarat GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AND COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES SOCIAL FORESTRY: CSR INTERVENTIONS AND PPP PROJECTS

Vision for the future: Activities to be undertaken Supplying high quality fast growing planting stock for agro forestry plantation and expanding agro-forestry under MGNREGA Raising tall seedlings for strip and urban plantations and also village forests, including plantations on ponds/ lake sides Expanding urban and industrial forestry to improve green cover in cities/ towns and industrial areas Developing and propagating biotechnology interventions in agro forestry

Bringing technological advancement in agro-forestry plantation and developing locally suitable agro forestry combinations and integrated forestry plantation models/ packages

Raising tree cover along the river banks and in and around ponds/ water bodies Creating a mass movement involving civic society, school/ colleges, institutions, etc for tree plantation and their subsequent care Implementing program at Taluka level to intensify tree plantation and improve tree cover under “Apno Taluko Vibrant Taluko” (ATVT)

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 27 OTHER COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES CONSERVATION THROUGH MODERN TECHNOLOGY (1/2)

The advancement in technology and its online applications can be used to understand the status of forest and forestry in different areas of Gujarat

A dynamic online forest The State’s Forest & Environment Department is in the process of monitoring and alert implementing MIS/ GIS Integrated Mapping system can be adopted with PDA / Smart Phone that empowers people This system will be useful in tracking everywhere to better activities like: manage forests. • Land management • Wildlife rescue • Plantation & • Forest offence The mapping Nursery • Encroachment application unites • Eco tourism • Animal – man satellite technology, • Alert for fire conflict open data, and • Tree cutting crowdsourcing to have Objective: timely and reliable • Minimizing paper work information about • Seamless & easy working environment forests using latest ICT Such a system has been • Protect the Forest Area & save Man – used by: Brazil Animal Conflict (Amazon) • Improved communication

Sources : http://www.wri.org/our-work/topics/forests 28 OTHER COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES CONSERVATION THROUGH MODERN TECHNOLOGY (2/2)

Technological shifts are helpful in enabling greater accountability and transparency, leading to strong commitments and establishing clear expectations of their suppliers Companies which are Advancement of technology and its more extensive applications are tracking their supply changing the way of forest management chain are:

Consumer Goods Forum, a group of more than 400 retailers, manufacturers, and other organizations, has pledged to mobilize resources to help achieve zero net deforestation by 2020. This will be done by adopting technologies which will allow tracing of the entire supply chain.

Such mechanisms are encouraging business to disclose more information to the public, resulting in improved accountability. This is also helping the companies in managing their risks better, whilst contributing to the conservation of nature

Sources : http://www.wri.org/our-work/topics/forests, http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_KW/pdf/sustainability_report/group_approach_sustainability_fy11.pdf, 29 http://www.wri.org/blog/changing-landscape-forest-management, http://greenpeaceblogs.org/2014/04/07/7-steps-companies-must-take-stop-deforestation/ OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION IN GUJARAT

Tree farming both for Use of Forest Climate Environment environment produce such as Change Education & conservation timber, medicinal mitigation Research and plants (supply mechanisms chain) commercial use

Vaccination of domestic Eco Better Organic animal around development in agricultural/ho farming protected fringe villages rticultural areas practices

30 Sources : Department of Forest & Environment, Government of Gujarat 1.3 Gujarat Scenario: Other Government Projects

31 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS

State of Gujarat has been at the forefront in implementing schemes initiated by the Central government and other agencies like Japan International Cooperation Agency. They are mentioned below:

Centrally Sponsored Schemes Plantation Physical Targets Financial Targets Schemes implemented in FY 13 (ha) (USD million) 13th Finance Commission 1500 3.47

Intensification of Forest Management Scheme 0 1.01

Mangroves and Coral Reefs – Management 4700 1.11 (Proposed) Fodder Development Scheme (Proposed) 500 0.46

Total 12631 6.05

Externally Aided projects (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Jica project – Non - Tribal 4698 3.37

Jica project - Tribal 16820 10.7

Total 21598 14.07

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 32 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS MANGROVE DEVELOPMENT: A SUCCESS STORY

The mangrove forest cover of Gujarat stands second behind West Bengal Every year Soil conservation Protection from approximately in coastal areas natural disasters 12,000 ha are being like cyclones, planted through Tsunamis etc people Objectives and participation advantages of (Community based Objectivesmangrove organizations and development PPP) Increase in Source of food biodiversity and and livelihood fish production for people living on the coasts

Over 2.5 times The mangrove restoration project by Gujarat Ecology Commission envisages to achieve: increase in less than 2 decades Enhanced capacity of Increased support from More proactive involvement communities to regenerate and industry in conserving and of the government in (from 397 Sq Km in sustainably manage mangrove regenerating mangroves community based 1991 to 1103 Sq Km resources for increased livelihood regeneration and conservation in 2013) opportunities of mangroves

33 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat, The New Indian Express GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT (JFM) PROGRAM IN GUJARAT

The Joint Forest Management program , initiated in 1991 in the state ,is a step forward for involving people in the management of natural resources, along with the government, on care and share basis Under this , the families at the village level form communities. These JFM committees protect forest area against encroachment, cultivation, fire, illicit cutting and grazing. NGOs or voluntary organizations train the village organization to carry out JFM activities. Progress So Far Timber: 50% in degraded, 16% in The total forest area brought under JFM till good forests June, 2013 is 4.29 lac hectares (20% of the total forest area) involving 3,288 JFMCs What 3288 JFM committees covering 4,29,235 ha Poles: 50% of NTFP (including • collected poles people grasses) - free of forest land • Over 2 million beneficiaries get • 312 Eco Development Committees

There has been a considerable increase in Firewood: Free the forest cover, owing to various management interventions , most important being JFM 34 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT (JFM) PROGRAM IN GUJARAT: MEETING THE MDGS

Millennium Over 2,000 village level democratic formal institutions for forest Development Goals management have been established. 40 percent are women in these organizations

Eradicate Extreme Poverty Micro plans have been prepared and approved by the general body of organizations and all of them on an average have ~USD 416 corpus Achieve universal primary fund available for implementation of micro and forest management education plans Promote gender equality and empower women At least 40% of the plantations in degraded forest areas are The State rehabilitated into open forest, 40% of the plantations in open forest Reduce child mortality Government’s are rehabilitated into moderately dense forest initiatives to 6 new biodiversity hotspot sites have been created Improve maternal health achieve these goals: Combat HIV/ AIDS, malaria 6 ecotourism sites created and other Women SHGs have been established as democratic village Ensure environmental institutions in the project area. SHGs have access to banks with sustainability savings. Develop a global partnership for development To date, 40% of reproductive women and children have got benefited through reproductive and child care camps by better access to Good Governance vaccinations and free medicine to pregnant women

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 35 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS SOCIAL FORESTRY: SALIENT FEATURES

Salient Features Dominant trees in non forest To monitor the impact of the Social Forestry, Gujarat was first to areas in Gujarat take initiative to conduct tree census to estimate total tree population in the state No. of trees Percentage of Name (in Millions) total trees The annual rate of improvement in tree cover is over ten percent during the last decade Neem Tree population has improved by 19.2% in a decade (2003-13) (Azadirachta 45.48 15.09 in Gujarat State Indica)

Total number of trees has increased from 251 million (excluding Deshi Baval 28.11 9.33 dangs) in the first counting in 2003 to 268.7 million in the (Acacia nilotica) second tree counting and then to 301.4 million in the third tree counting in 2013 Nilgiri 27.33 9.07 (Eucalyptus sp) The growing stock of timber and fuel wood has also increased substantially due to increase in the number of trees Ardusa Highest increase in Ardusa (Ailanthus excelsa) trees from 3.97 (Ailanthus 9.77 3.24 million in 2003 to 9.77 million in 2013 (150 percent increase in Excelsa) ten years) As in 2009, the economic contribution of the tree Implementing tree plantation on private farm land and outside forests (TOF) in the GDP of the state was promoting agro forestry about USD 726 million

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 36 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS SOCIAL FORESTRY: GUJARAT AS A ROLE MODEL

Social Forestry was seen as a people’s programme. Under this initiative, the state embarked upon an ambitious mission of organizing and motivating people to take up tree plantation on lands like Panchayat lands, wastelands, roadsides, canal sides, school and college compounds and other government and private lands.

As a result of this programme, the total number of trees in the non forest areas increased from 251.0 million in 2003 to 301.0 million in 2013 which is a commendable increase of 5 million trees per year

A major initiative of the Gujarat Government in promoting Social Forestry is the celebration of Van Mahotsav on a massive scale. The celebration of Van Mahotsav takes place at the district, taluka and village levels to create awakening towards afforestation and helps build strong links between trees and people. Tree plantation campaigns are conducted in urban areas and about 90 to 100 million seedlings are supplied annually.

The cumulative achievement of Social Forestry works (1969 - 2012) Strip Plantations 1.03 lakh ha. Panchayat Lands (Village Forest) 1.32 lakh ha. Private Degrade Lands Seedling 2.46 lakh ha. Seedling Distribution (VM) 491 crores

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 37 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS SOCIAL FORESTRY: SUCCESS STORY

Anand is a model district of Social Forestry development, including agro-forestry, where people have benefited both socially and economically

Trees population in Anand District Case study: Anand (in Million) • Anand is a leading district in term of agro-forestry, animal husbandry and agriculture 21.1 • Earning from agro-forestry has become one of 21.5 the main economic activities for farmers in the 21 district 20.12 20.5 • Anand, which is a non forest district in central 20 19 Gujarat, has now become one of the greenest 19.5 districts in India with highest density of trees in 19 non forest areas 18.5 • Tree density of 66 trees/ hectare 18 • There is a well organized market system for timber 17.5 trade and movement of wood to other states 2003 2008 2013 Case Study: Malav Village (Panchmal District)

• Malav Village in Panchmal District is known for agroforestry of Eucalyptus species (Nilgiri) • 80% of the farmers of Malav village adopted agro-forestry • About 10.88 Lacs Eucalyptus trees are raised in the village and every year about 1 Lac trees are harvested

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 38 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS SOCIAL FORESTRY: CULTURAL FOREST

Gujarat Forest Department developed ten Sanskritik Van on sites spread across the state, as a part of the initiative state level Van Mahotsav celebration

Objective of establishing Sanskritik Vans or Cultural Forests Sanskritik Van in Gujarat • “Punit Van” at Gandhinagar • To increase active participation of the people for increasing • “Mangalya Van” at Ambaji tree cover • “Tirthankar Van” at Taranga • To make people acquainted with our ancient culture • “Harihar Van” at Somnath • To strengthen our cultural & traditional values for • “Bhakti Van” at Chotila protecting trees • “Shyamal Van” at Shamlaji • To connect people with the tree plantation & protection • “Pawak Van” at Palitana • To develop cultural sites • “Virasat Van” at Pavagarh • To create awareness among people about religious & • “Govind Guru Smrutivan” at Mangadh medicinal plants • “Nagesh Van” at Dwarka

Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 39 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECT (ICZMP): GUJARAT SCENARIO

ICZMP: A World Bank aided project being implemented in the Gulf of Kachchh with GEC as the State Project Management Unit

Achievements Monitoring Mangrove plantation in 8180 ha. Appropriate Policy control making Workshops on sea turtle conservation and hatchery management have measures been conducted Formation of 104 CBOs and 40 Eco-development committees under Development Activities socio-economic development of guidelines/ under Enforcement standards ICZM Coral transplantation has been completed in 8 sq.mt area Field hatcheries near Dwarka have been developed and several baby Incentives turtles have been released into the sea and Boundary Disincentives Definition Bio-physical data collection has been undertaken for data collection and protocol development for the mapping of bio-physical parameters Zoning 283 Self Help Groups have been formed

161 Social Audit Committees have been formed and 538 community GEC is working with Tourism Corporation of members were given training by Unnati, Ahmedabad Gujarat Limited to develop a fifth generation Out of 160 villages, PRA exercise is completed in 149 villages oceanarium Many trainings and workshops have been conducted to strengthen the Sources : FAO, Forest Department, Government of Gujarat capacity of the state for effective coastal zone management 40 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION THROUGH ACCESS & BENEFIT SHARING

Conservation of Biological Diversity Commercial utilization Sustainable use of Biodiversity Incentives of Bio-resources Initiatives components ABS mechanism for Biological Resources and associated Traditional Knowledge

Biodiversity Act, 2002, Govt. Government of Gujarat Legal of India Financial support Biological diversity Rules, National Biodiversity Board governed 2004, Govt of India support Gujarat Biological Diversity from by UNEP - GEF Rules, 2010: Notified by the Govt. of Gujarat

Constitution of BMC’s in all the village panchayats of Vision for Gujarat next 5 years Signing of ABS agreements through ABS mechanism 41 Sources : Gujarat Biodiversity Board Note: ABS: Access and Benefit Sharing Mechanism GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS (1/2) ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION: A COMBINED EFFORT OF THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE

Mission: To collectively contribute towards conservation, restoration and enrichment of ecosystems, natural heritage and environment through ecological education, studies and research

Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation is a member of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The Scientific & Industrial Research Organizations (SIROs) Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, recognizes it as a Scientific Institute. It is also a member of State Board for Wildlife, Government of Gujarat and Indian Society of Geomatics.

The Foundation conducts focused training programmes for Forest Officers including front-line forest staff, scientific officers and researchers, local communities and eco-guides from various States of India on topics relating to ecology, biodiversity, climate change, environment etc. It also trains students (of High-school, Colleges and Universities) under the aegis of National Green Corps (NGC) – MOEFCC, Government of India and Nature Education Camps (NEC) Department of Forests and Environment, Government of Gujarat

Almost 3368 camps have been held all over the State under the auspices of GEER Foundation and other territorial and local Conservators of Forests wherein 1.89 lakh students and 3500 teachers have been trained on different aspects of conservation of nature, ecology and environment" (as on Dec 2013)

For the purpose of Ecological and Nature Conservation Education, the GEER In 2008, GEER Foundation was awarded “Rajiv Gandhi Foundation also maintains Indroda Nature Park (Botanical Garden, INP Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Award for the year 2006” - from Dinosaur Park, Earth-Fossil Park, Aranya Udhyan) and Hingolgadh Wildlife Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India Sanctuary. 42 GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS (2/2) ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION: A COMBINED EFFORT OF THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE

GEER Foundation specializes in ecological conservation aimed at conserving nature through its use in developing conservation management plans

To build action plans for To understand the impact of Gujarat's rich Biodiversity has been adequately conservation and management of fast emerging developmental captured in the species-specific research various ecosystems of Gujarat. changes on Gujarat’s conducted by GEER Foundation. Major works: Major works: environment. Major works: • Study of Identifying Coral Reef health indicators in the Gulf of Kachchh (completed) • Action Plan for conservation and . EIA of Sardar Sarovar Project Socio-Economic Feasibility Study of Bamboos & management of Nalsarovar on Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary • their Products in Gujarat State (completed) wetland (completed) and Velavadar National Park Biodiversity and Coral Transplantation in the (completed) • • Study of Wetlands in Gujarat with Gulf of Kachchh) under Integrated Coastal Zone Special Emphasis on the . Collection of Baseline Data Management (ongoing) Information Networking on pertaining to Biodiversity and • Impact of forestry interventions in urban and Ecosystem ResearchEcosystem Habitat and Diversity (ongoing) Socio-economics in Dholera sub-urban areas of Gujarat SIR Area (ongoing) • Wetland study of Chhari Dhundh • (proposed) Environmental Environmental Impact Assessment in Rann of Kachchh (ongoing) Species and Topic Specific Research As a step towards assessing & addressing Biological studies are undertaken Status reports, surveys and atlas help the issues related to climate change, GEER at different sanctuaries and take stock of the present and chalking Foundation undertakes various scientific National Parks of Gujarat. Based out a future course of action. It involves studies at state level. Major works: on these, special measures are comprehensive study and evaluation of • Assessment of carbon storage potential designed and implemented to the existent ecospheres, endangered of forest areas of Gujarat (ongoing) conserve and enhance the existing species and status of nature education • Study of Green House Gas emissions of flora and fauna. in Gujarat. Major works: Gujarat and modeling its future trends • Evaluation Reports on Centrally • Biodiversity of Shoolpaneshwar (ongoing) Wildlife Sanctuary (completed) Sponsored Scheme for Conservation • Impact of global warming on disaster and Management of Mangroves and patterns in Gujarat (ongoing) • Biodiversity study of “Northern Coral Reefs by MoEF, GoI (completed)

Biodiversity Research Biodiversity Tapi Forest” areas of Gujarat • Assessment of carbon storage potential Atlas and Survey Status • Status of Dugong in India (completed) with special emphasis to small Research on Climate Change Climate on Research of tree cover (outside forest area) of • Ecology of the Coral Reefs of Gujarat 43 Gujarat (ongoing) mammals (ongoing) (ongoing) GUJARAT GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES & PROJECTS SOIL AND MOISTURE CONSERVATION

The Department has implemented soil and moisture conservation works intensively such as construction of check dams, van talawadis, gully plugging, and forest tanks.

From 1995 – 96 to 2010 – 11, a total of 8,298 van talawadi (forest pond) and 9,249 check dams were constructed by the department

44 Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat Sources : Forest Department, Government of Gujarat 1.3 Gujarat Scenario

Awards and Accolades

45 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• India Biodiversity Award-2014, jointly instituted by Indian government and the UNDP, for its contribution towards the conservation of the Whale sharks. • Sanctuary's Best Protected Area Award 2013- Gir Forest National Park • National award for the best wildlife and eco-tourism site of 2008- Gir national park and sanctuary • Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award for 2006, 2007 and 2008 for outstanding performance in social forestry and reclamation of wastelands in Gujarat. The Award has been constituted by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India • Teri Award 2007 for Water conservation work at Girnar Forest • Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award 2006 by Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India for unique contribution in the field of research leading to conservation of nature & wildlife

46 BIODIVERSITY & FOREST ECOSYSTEM WEBSITE PROVIDING DEPARTMENT DETAILS

Department of Forest & Environment, Government of Gujarat: http://www.envforguj.in/

GEER Foundation: http://www.geerfoundation.gujarat.gov.in/

Gujarat State Forest Development Corporation Ltd.: http://www.gsfdcltd.co.in/

Gujarat State Biodiversity Board http://www.gsbb.in/

Gujarat Ecology Commission: www.gec.gujarat.gov.in/

Gujarat Environment Management Institute: http://www.gemi-india.org/

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