In an effort to aid in the mitigation and adaptation of climate change, the US and India have unveiled a new plan to enhance tree coverage outside of forest lands in India. "The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the Government of India and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), on September 8, 2022, announced the launch of a new program, "Trees Outside Forests in India," US Embassy in India said.

The move will enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities, and strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture. With the help of new USD 25 million programmes, farmers, businesses, and private institutions in India will work together to quickly cover 28 lakh hectares of land with trees outside of traditional forests.

The programme will increase the income of farmers while enhancing the resilience of farming systems through agroforestry, or incorporating trees into farming systems. More than 13 million people might gain from the initiative's promotion of tree-based businesses, which will help build sustainable marketplaces and enhance rural economies and livelihoods. The programme will also use slashing financing approaches and harness India's private sector.

The programme will be executed by a collaboration led by the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) across seven states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. \ Announcing the launch, the Secretary for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Leena Nandan, said, "India and the U.S. are firmly committed to working closely in many areas including the forestry sector.

At the global level, India is playing a prominent role in forming and shaping affirmative responses to the challenges faced by the forest and environment sector. India has undertaken rapid economic growth while successfully conserving and enhancing its forest resources and would continue to do so through strategic planning and focused implementation." Highlighting the US-India cooperation on climate change and forestry, the US Charge d'Affaires Patricia A. Lacina, said, "As one of the world's largest economies and a global leader in science and innovation, India plays a critical role in helping solve the climate crisis. This new program builds on the enduring U.S.-India partnership to tackle the climate crisis by enhancing carbon sequestration and bolstering resilience in the face of climate threats.

Read more