In a significant move toward sustainable forest governance and climate resilience, the Tripura Forest Department, under the Indo-German Development Cooperation’s CREFLAT Project, convened its first Statewide Stakeholders Meeting on Forest Sector Strategy at the JICA Conference Hall in Gandhigram on 2nd August.
The consultation, held under the guidance of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) formed by the Government of Tripura, marked a key milestone in the development of a climate-resilient, evidence-based forest strategy for the state.
Strategic Importance of Tripura’s Forests
Speaking at the event, Mr. R.K. Samal, Principal Secretary of Forests and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), emphasized the dual role of Tripura’s forests as biodiversity hubs and livelihood providers. “Tripura’s forests are integral to both ecological health and community welfare. Our strategy must ensure sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive participation,” he said.
The state, known for its rich forest cover, has faced increasing pressures from climate change and human activity. The India State of Forest Report 2023 highlights a continuing decline in forest quality across the region.
Diverse Stakeholders Join Forces
The event witnessed participation from a wide spectrum of stakeholders — including senior forest officials, government departments, the Border Security Force (BSF), NGOs, private sector players, and academic institutions.
Key experts in attendance included:
- Shri B.M.S. Rathore, IFS (Retd.), former PCCF of Madhya Pradesh
- Selvaraj Prabhu, IFS, Project Director, CREFLAT
- Prasad Rao, IFS, Director, NTFP Centre of Excellence
Departments such as Revenue, Agriculture, Tribal Welfare, Animal Resource Development (ARDD), Rubber Board, and Tripura Bamboo Mission also contributed to the deliberations.
Aligning Local and National Priorities
Stakeholders called for aligning Tripura’s forest strategy with national goals on biodiversity, water, soil, and carbon conservation. Emphasis was laid on addressing the increasing demand for both timber and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), while balancing ecological preservation and community welfare.
“This initiative isn’t just about protecting forests; it’s about safeguarding the cultural, ecological, and economic lifelines of Tripura’s communities,” noted Selvaraj Prabhu, IFS.
Towards a Consultative, Inclusive Roadmap
The meeting concluded with a commitment to a consultative roadmap that will integrate inputs from ongoing development projects, existing policies, and grassroots-level engagement. The outcome will be a comprehensive forest strategy designed to bolster Tripura’s climate resilience and ensure long-term sustainability.
The CREFLAT initiative — Climate Resilience of Forest Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Adaptive Capacities of Forest-Dependent Communities in Tripura — is part of a broader Indo-German climate adaptation program in the Himalayan region, positioning Tripura as a key player in India’s environmental transformation.
