Bihar, a state in North-eastern India, has been praised for its afforestation efforts at the ongoing COP28 summit in Dubai, where it showcased its sustainable practices and achievements in combating climate change. The state’s Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (DoEFCC) presented a comprehensive overview of its afforestation initiatives at the India Pavilion on December 2, 2023, and received appreciation and recognition from various national and international delegates and experts.
Bihar in COP28 Summit
The afforestation initiatives highlighted by the Bihar team include the Hariyali Mission (Green Mission), the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Mission, the Agriculture Roadmap, and the Green Budget, among others. These initiatives aim to increase the green cover, conserve water resources, promote agroforestry, and enhance the livelihoods and well-being of the people of Bihar. The initiatives also focus on the involvement of women, especially the members of the JEEVIKA Self-Help Group, in plantation and nursery management activities.
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The Bihar team, led by Secretary Bandana Preyashi, Director (Ecology) Surendra Singh, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Ashutosh, also shared the results and impacts of the afforestation efforts, which have been remarkable and impressive. According to the India State of Forest Report, 2021, the state’s green cover has increased from 9.9% in 2019 to 14.75% in 2021, with a total of 381.008 million plantations made since the launch of the Hariyali Mission in 2012-13. The total carbon sequestration is 56.88 million tonnes, which contributes to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. The afforestation activities have also led to increased water availability in forest fringe areas, improved soil fertility in natural forests, and positive changes in the income and skills of the farmers and women engaged in agroforestry and nursery management.
The Bihar team also interacted with various dignitaries and stakeholders at the COP28 summit, and exchanged views and experiences on the best practices and challenges of afforestation. The team also visited the Expo City, the state-of-the-art venue of the summit, and explored the various pavilions and attractions that showcase the achievements and aspirations of more than 190 countries. The team also participated in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, which mark the 50th anniversary of the country’s formation and its vision for the future.
The Bihar team’s presentation and participation at the COP28 summit have been widely appreciated and applauded by the media, the public, and the authorities. The team has received positive feedback and recognition from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Indian Embassy in UAE, and the COP28 Secretariat. The team has also received appreciation from various international organizations and agencies, such as the UNFCCC, the World Bank, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the World Wildlife Fund. The team has also been invited to share its afforestation initiatives at various other platforms and forums, such as the Global Landscapes Forum, the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility, and the Bonn Challenge.
The Bihar team’s success at the COP28 summit has demonstrated the state’s leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship, and has also enhanced the state’s image and reputation at the global level. The team has also inspired and motivated other states and countries to adopt and implement similar afforestation initiatives, and to join hands in the fight against climate change. The team has also set an example for the future generations to follow, and to take action for a greener and better world.
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