India Rises to 9th Globally in Forest Area: A Green Triumph Rooted in Policy and People

Introduction

India has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological balance. According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 (GFRA 2025) released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, India now ranks 9th in the world in total forest area, rising from its previous 10th position. This remarkable progress reflects not only large-scale governmental efforts but also the active participation of communities, environmental organizations, and local administrations working to safeguard the nation’s green cover.

With over 72.74 million hectares of forest area, India now accounts for around 2% of the world’s total forest cover, contributing significantly to the global fight against climate change. The GFRA 2025 further highlights that India stands third globally in net annual forest gain and fifth in forest carbon stock growth, reinforcing its position as one of the leading nations in sustainable forestry.

Global Context: The Importance of Forests

Forests are the lungs of our planet. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, maintain rainfall patterns, and support biodiversity. The Global Forest Resources Assessment conducted by the FAO every five years offers an in-depth picture of the world’s forests — tracking deforestation, regeneration, forest health, and their role in mitigating climate change.

The 2025 report, covering data from 2015–2025, shows that while deforestation continues in many parts of the world, countries like India, China, and Russia have registered positive growth in forest area. Together, these nations have contributed substantially to the planet’s net gain in green cover, offsetting losses elsewhere.

India’s Performance in GFRA 2025

The GFRA 2025 provides an encouraging picture of India’s forest management performance:

  • Total Forest Area: 72.74 million hectares
  • Share in Global Forests: Around 2% of the world’s forest area
  • Rank: 9th globally (up from 10th)
  • Annual Net Forest Gain: ~191,000 hectares per year (Rank 3 globally)
  • Forest Carbon Sink Rank: 5th globally, absorbing around 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually

These figures highlight that India’s approach to forest conservation is yielding tangible results. The increase in rank is not merely symbolic — it is a measurable indicator of India’s resilience and commitment to its environmental pledges.

Drivers Behind India’s Forest Growth

India’s rise in the global forest ranking did not happen by chance. It is the outcome of deliberate policy interventions, strong legal frameworks, community engagement, and continuous monitoring. Several factors have contributed to this green success story:

1. National Afforestation Programs

Government initiatives like the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), launched under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, have played a pivotal role in increasing tree cover. GIM aims to enhance both forest and non-forest tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and increase forest-based livelihoods for local communities.

2. Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)

The CAMPA Act ensures that any forest land diverted for non-forest purposes must be compensated by afforestation on an equivalent area. The fund collected from such diversions is utilized exclusively for forest restoration and regeneration, resulting in a net gain in forest cover across several states.

3. Community-Led Forest Conservation

India’s Joint Forest Management (JFM) model has empowered local communities and tribal groups to manage forest resources sustainably. By involving locals in decision-making and benefit-sharing, JFM has successfully turned many degraded forest areas into thriving ecosystems.

4. Technological Monitoring and GIS Mapping

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses advanced satellite technology and GIS mapping to monitor forest cover regularly. The availability of accurate data enables policymakers to identify areas of deforestation and take timely corrective measures.

5. Agroforestry and Urban Green Initiatives

Schemes promoting agroforestry — integrating trees with crops and livestock — have expanded green cover beyond traditional forest boundaries. Simultaneously, urban afforestation projects such as the Nagar Van Scheme are greening India’s cities, ensuring that forest gains are not limited to rural landscapes.

Regional Highlights: States Leading the Way

India’s forest cover is unevenly distributed, with certain states contributing a major share of the total forest area. According to national surveys, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra are among the top contributors to India’s green wealth.

The Northeastern region, despite its small geographic area, boasts exceptionally high forest density. States like Mizoram and Nagaland have over 80% of their land under forest cover. Southern states such as Kerala and Karnataka have also shown notable progress in restoring forests and mangroves.

India’s Forests as Carbon Sinks

Forests are central to India’s strategy for mitigating climate change. As per the GFRA 2025, India is fifth globally in terms of carbon absorption, removing an estimated 150 million tonnes of CO₂ per year through its forest ecosystems. This achievement aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, where the country pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030.

The government’s focus on ecosystem restoration, tree-based livelihoods, and biodiversity conservation continues to strengthen India’s position as a responsible environmental steward on the global stage.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these achievements, India faces significant challenges in maintaining and expanding its forest cover:

  • Urbanization and Industrialization: Rapid urban expansion continues to pressure natural habitats. Balancing economic growth with ecological preservation remains a constant struggle.
  • Illegal Logging and Encroachment: In some regions, unregulated timber extraction and land conversion threaten forest sustainability.
  • Climate Change Impacts: Altered rainfall patterns, forest fires, and invasive species pose new risks to forest health.
  • Tribal Livelihood Conflicts: Ensuring that forest conservation efforts do not displace indigenous communities or disrupt their traditional ways of life is an ongoing policy challenge.

To sustain its forest gains, India must continue investing in climate-resilient forestry, biodiversity corridors, and participatory conservation models.

Global Significance of India’s Efforts

India’s achievements carry global importance. In a world where deforestation is rampant — especially in parts of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia — India’s consistent forest growth provides a model for developing nations. It shows that environmental protection and economic development can coexist when guided by strong governance and community involvement.

India’s green policies have also supported international biodiversity goals, including the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-15: Life on Land).

F&Q: India’s Forest Ranking and Growth

Q1. What is India’s current global rank in forest area as per GFRA 2025?
A. India now ranks 9th in the world in total forest area according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 by FAO, improving from its previous 10th position.

Q2. How much forest area does India have?
A. India has 72.74 million hectares of forest area, which accounts for about 2% of the world’s total forest cover.

Q3. Which organization releases the Global Forest Resources Assessment?
A. The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) is released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations every five years.

Q4. Which countries have the largest forest areas globally?
A. The top countries are Russia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, China, Australia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Argentina, and India.

Q5. In what area does India rank 3rd globally according to GFRA 2025?
A. India ranks 3rd globally in annual net forest gain, with a net increase of approximately 191,000 hectares per year between 2015 and 2025.

Q6. What does it mean when India is ranked 5th in carbon absorption?
A. It means India’s forests are acting as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing about 150 million tonnes of CO₂ annually — making it the fifth-largest contributor to global carbon sequestration through forests.

Q7. Which Indian states have the highest forest cover?
A. Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Maharashtra have the largest forest areas in India, while Mizoram and Nagaland have the highest percentage of forest cover relative to their land area.

Q8. What government schemes have contributed to forest growth?
A. Key initiatives include the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), CAMPA Fund, Joint Forest Management (JFM), and the Nagar Van Yojana for urban forests.

Q9. How does India balance development and forest conservation?
A. Through compensatory afforestation policies, community involvement, and strict legal frameworks, India ensures that forest land diverted for projects is replaced by new plantations elsewhere.

Q10. Why is India’s progress globally significant?
A. At a time when global deforestation is accelerating, India’s consistent forest growth demonstrates how developing nations can pursue economic progress while strengthening their environmental commitments — serving as a model for sustainable development worldwide.

Conclusion

India’s climb to 9th place globally in forest area as per the FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 is not merely a statistical milestone — it is a reflection of the nation’s enduring relationship with nature. Rooted in ancient traditions that revere trees as sacred and guided by modern policies that value sustainability, India’s green journey embodies harmony between progress and preservation.

As the world grapples with the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, India’s example offers a path of hope. Through continuous innovation, local empowerment, and ecological responsibility, India is transforming its landscape — and in doing so, reaffirming its timeless civilizational belief that protecting nature is not a choice, but a sacred duty.

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