Did India Achieve the 9th Global Rank in Forest Area?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India has made a remarkable leap in global forest rankings, securing the ninth position in forest area and maintaining its third rank in annual gains. This achievement reflects the government's dedication to sustainable forest management and environmental awareness across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- India ranks ninth globally in forest area as of 2025.
- Improvement from tenth position in 2020.
- Maintained third rank in annual forest area gain.
- Government policies support forest protection and enhancement.
- Public participation is crucial for sustainable forestry efforts.
New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement for environmental protection initiatives, India has clinched the ninth position globally in terms of forest area in 2025, climbing from the 10th spot in 2020, as announced by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Wednesday.
The nation has also successfully maintained its third rank in annual forest area gain, as per the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 report released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali, Indonesia.
In the last GFRA evaluation, India was positioned 10th in forest area.
Yadav shared this success on the social media platform X, reiterating India's ongoing commitment to sustainable forest management.
“This is a cause for celebration for all Indians. We've improved our ranking to ninth in global forest area from the previous 10th. Furthermore, we have preserved our third position in annual gains,” Yadav tweeted.
“This accomplishment is a result of the strategic planning and policies by the Modi government aimed at forest preservation, enhancement, and extensive plantation initiatives by State Governments,” he added.
The government has been actively implementing programs focused on forest conservation, afforestation, and community-driven environmental initiatives.
This includes the Prime Minister’s call for ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ and his persistent focus on environmental awareness, encouraging citizens nationwide to engage in tree planting and conservation efforts.
“The rising public engagement is nurturing a strong sense of collective accountability for a greener and sustainable tomorrow,” Yadav mentioned.
The global report, published every five years, indicates that forests now cover 4.14 billion hectares, which is approximately one-third of the Earth's land area.
The annual rate of net forest loss has decreased from 10.7 million hectares in the 1990s to 4.12 million hectares in 2015-2025.
Notably, the deforestation rate has slowed to 10.9 million hectares annually during 2015-2025, down from 17.6 million in 1990-2000.
The rate of forest expansion has also diminished, from 9.88 million hectares each year in 2000-2015 to 6.78 million in 2015-2025.
“Forests play a crucial role in food security, supporting local economies and providing renewable resources and energy. They host a significant portion of the world's biodiversity, help regulate global carbon and water cycles, and mitigate the risks and impacts of drought, desertification, soil erosion, landslides, and floods,” the report emphasizes.
Point of View
It's clear that India's rise in global forest rankings reflects a strong commitment to environmental conservation. The concerted efforts by the government and public engagement in tree planting and conservation initiatives pave the way for a sustainable future. This achievement is a testament to national dedication towards responsible environmental stewardship.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's current global rank in forest area?
India currently holds the ninth rank in global forest area as of 2025.
How has India's ranking changed since 2020?
India has improved its ranking from tenth in 2020 to ninth in 2025.
What position does India hold in annual forest area gain?
India retains its third position globally in annual forest area gain.
What initiatives has the government implemented for forest conservation?
The government has initiated various programs focusing on forest protection, afforestation, and community-led environmental actions.
Why are forests important according to the global report?
Forests are vital for food security, biodiversity, and regulating global carbon and hydrological cycles.
