Current Affairs

17-18th DECEMBER

by | Dec 23, 2023

Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme: A Leap Towards Sustainable Forestry and Agroforestry

In a significant stride towards sustainable environmental practices, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has recently launched the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme. This groundbreaking initiative aims to promote responsible forest management and agroforestry practices throughout the country. The scheme introduces voluntary third-party certification encompassing forest management, tree outside forest management, and chain of custody certification.

Promoting Sustainable Practices:

The core objective of the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme is to encourage entities to adopt sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices. This includes state forest departments, individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) engaged in agroforestry and farm forestry, and various wood-based industries in the value chain. By adhering to the certification standards, these entities can receive market incentives, contributing to the overall health of the nation’s forests.

Certification Standards:

The Forest Management certification is founded on the Indian Forest Management Standard, a comprehensive framework consisting of eight criteria, 69 indicators, and 254 verifiers. This standard is an integral part of the National Working Plan Code 2023, which was launched earlier in the year. Additionally, the scheme introduces a Trees Outside Forests Standard, recognizing the importance of managing trees beyond traditional forest areas.

Governance Structure:

The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme will be overseen by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council, a multistakeholder advisory body. The council comprises representatives from esteemed institutions such as the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Forest Survey of India, Quality Council of India, Indian Institute of Forest Management, along with representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, State Forest Departments, Forest Development Corporations, and representatives from wood-based industries.

Implementation and Oversight:

The Indian Institute of Forest Management in Bhopal will serve as the scheme’s operating agency, taking on the responsibility for its overall management. The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under the Quality Council of India will play a crucial role in accrediting certification bodies. These bodies will conduct independent audits, ensuring entities’ adherence to the standards prescribed under the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme.

Conclusion:

The launch of the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme marks a pivotal moment in India’s commitment to sustainable forestry and agroforestry. By establishing clear standards and providing market incentives, the scheme encourages a collective effort from various stakeholders to safeguard the nation’s precious forests and promote responsible wood-based industries. As we step into an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, this initiative serves as a beacon of hope for a greener and more sustainable future.

Source:PIB

NCRB: A Pillar of Justice in India

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Delhi has emerged with the highest incidence of registered First Information Reports (FIRs) for crimes against women in the year 2022.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is a crucial entity, shaping India’s crime landscape through data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

  1. Foundation and Mandate:

Established in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the NCRB’s core mission is to centralize and analyze crime-related data.

  1. Data Collection and Compilation:

The NCRB compiles comprehensive crime data from diverse law enforcement agencies, creating an invaluable national database.

  1. Crime in India Report:

Annually released, this report offers a detailed analysis of crime statistics, aiding policymakers in addressing specific issues like cybercrime and crimes against women.

  1. Technological Advancements and Initiatives:

Embracing technology, the NCRB implements initiatives like CCTNS to digitize records, enabling real-time data exchange among police stations.

  1. Policy Formulation and Decision Support:

Crime insights derived from NCRB data guide policymakers in formulating targeted strategies and deploying resources effectively.

  1. Public Awareness and Transparency:

The NCRB’s online portal provides accessible crime data, fostering transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.

  1. Challenges and Future Directions:

While progress is evident, challenges such as data quality persist; future endeavors may involve advanced analytics and AI integration.

The NCRB stands as a cornerstone, contributing to India’s pursuit of a just and secure society through data-driven insights and transparency.

Source: HT

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Written By Vishakha Khatri

My name is Vishakha Khatri. I am an engineering graduate and a civil service aspirant with a passion for spreading knowledge about Indian polity. I believe that understanding our political system is crucial for every citizen, and I am committed to making this information accessible to everyone in my own easy way. Through my experiences in civil service preparation and my unique perspective as an engineering graduate, I hope to inspire and educate others on the importance of Indian polity.

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