Successful Forest Conservation Strategies: An Indian Solution to the Global Problem of Deforestation

Conserving biodiversity is a primary focus of the current generation, with major United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) directly targeting nature conservation solutions. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are now applied globally as an option to restore degraded lands. India, with its age-old cultural commitment to nature conservation dating back to 3000 BC, has not received due recognition for its efforts. During the colonial period under British Raj, conservation was re-written as an instrument for the exploitation of Indian natural resources. Since gaining independence in 1947, India has formulated policies and laws to protect its natural resources. With conservation of nature and its reverence deeply ingrained in local cultures and belief systems, India’s progress has been both exponential and noteworthy.

India is home to endemic species in four biodiversity hotspots: the Himalayas, the Western Ghats, the Indo-Burma region, and the Sundaland (including the Nicobar Islands). Notably, India has the world’s largest population of wild tigers and the only remaining Asiatic lions, both conserved through dedicated conservation projects and active participation of local communities. Indian religious and cultural sentiments further bolster conservation ideals. For instance, the lion and the tiger are both connected with the Hindu deity of power and personification of ‘Shakti’, the feminine creative energy, while the elephant is the embodiment of the God of Wisdom, Lord Ganesha.

Even before the introduction of formal conservation laws during the British Raj, people across India protected natural spaces known as “sacred groves.” Presently, India boasts approximately 14,000 such spaces nationwide. This project aims to portray and logically collate India's journey in forest conservation, focusing on success stories that can provide replicable solutions to the Global North, for global biodiversity conservation efforts, guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.

• Edited Volume
• Opinion Editorials
• Panel Discussion and Symposium