Archive · 28 Sep 2026
India Highlights Forest Restoration Achievements at FAO Forestry Conference
India spoke about its forests at an international forestry meeting in Rome.
It said forests and trees cover about one-quarter of the country.
India also said it has absorbed a large amount of carbon dioxide through its forests and trees.
By 2035, it wants to absorb even more carbon dioxide.
India promised to restore 26 million hectares of damaged or cleared land by 2030.
It said 21.76 million hectares are already under restoration.
India also asked countries to share useful ideas and methods.
The meeting was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on Forestry.
India said its forest and tree cover totals 82.74 million hectares, or 25.17% of its geographical area.
India reported creating an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2021.
The country raised its 2035 carbon-sink ambition to 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared with 2005 levels.
Under the Bonn Challenge, India committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030; 21.76 million hectares have been restored.
India called for closer coordination among FAO forestry work, global forest goals and other international processes.
- Who
- India, represented at the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry.
- What
- India presented its forest and landscape restoration achievements and called for stronger international cooperation.
- When
- September 28; the session is identified as the 28th session of the Committee on Forestry.
- Where
- Rome.
- Why
- To highlight India’s restoration and carbon-sink efforts and encourage better coordination, knowledge-sharing and cooperation on forestry.
- Forest and tree cover
- 82.74 million hectares
- Share of geographical area
- 25.17%
- Carbon sink created by 2021
- 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent
- 2035 carbon-sink ambition
- 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared with 2005 levels
- Bonn Challenge restoration commitment
- 26 million hectares by 2030
- Land already brought under restoration
- 21.76 million hectares
- Conference
- 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry in Rome