Unprecedented heatwaves, droughts and floods are accelerating the degradation of the planet's depleting land, water and forest resources, highlighting the need to fight climate change
Restoration." Land restoration can reverse degradation and desertification, with each dollar invested yielding up to $30 in ecosystem services. By restoring just 15 percent of degraded land, we can prevent up to 60 percent of expected species extinctions.
Addressing the root causes of land degradation, such as climate change, is essential. Record-breaking temperatures last year led to widespread heatwaves, storms, floods, and droughts. Effective land restoration must be coupled with efforts to tackle climate change; otherwise, progress will be limited.
India is leading sustainability and environmental conservation through Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). This global movement aims to inspire action to protect the environment and promote eco-friendly practices. Introduced at COP26, Mission LiFE focuses on sustainable lifestyles and is integrated into India's Nationally Determined Contributions to combat climate change.
Mission LiFE mobilises individuals and communities into a global movement for positive change, emphasising conserving natural resources and living in harmony with nature. Each phase encourages a shift towards sustainability, inspiring global action for environmental conservation and climate resilience.
The Indian government promotes tree plantation through programs like the National Mission for Green India (GIM) and the National Afforestation Programme (NAP). India has expanded its Ramsar Site count to 80, and the Wetlands of India Portal serves as a knowledge hub for wetland managers and stakeholders.
At the 19th session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), India highlighted the increase in its forest cover over the past fifteen years, which now stands at 21.71 percent of its total geographical area. India has also expanded its network of protected areas and celebrated 50 years of Project Tiger and 30 years of Project Elephant, showing dedication to species conservation. Additionally, the 'Green Credit Programme' incentivises tree plantation and restoration of degraded forest lands, strengthening climate action initiatives.
Mangrove forests have a great capacity to store carbon, provide breeding grounds for marine biodiversity and support global fish populations. The government of India has taken a number of steps to protect and enhance mangrove forests in coastal states/Union Territories through promotional and regulatory measures. The former is being implemented through a Central Sector Scheme, ‘Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs’ under the National Coastal Mission Programme. Further, the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24 to promote and conserve mangroves.
The Government of India has banned single-use plastic items, effective July 1, 2022, and plastic carry bags with a thickness of less than 120 microns, starting on December 31, 2022. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched on January 4, 2023, aims to contribute to India's self-reliance through clean energy. India is also actively involved in global initiatives for circular economy and resource efficiency. Additionally, India hosted the sixth Assembly of the International Solar Alliance on October 31, 2023, demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.