Union Minister of Environment & Forests inaugurates workshop on Forest-Based Sustainable Bioeconomy at ICFRE
Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 21 Mar: Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Saturday inaugurated a two-day national workshop at the Forest Research Institute on the occasion of the International Day of Forests 2026. During the event, Yadav, addressing the gathering, emphasised that Nature is paramount and that coexistence with it is imperative for human survival. He observed that forest conservation goes beyond tree plantation and requires protection of the entire ecosystem. He called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination to promote a holistic approach to forestry and highlighted the significance of cultural values, the Green Credit Programme and carbon credits in sustaining forest resources. He remarked that forests are not only crucial for the economy but are also essential for peace.
The International Day of Forests is being observed this year under the theme “Forests and Economies”, underscoring the vital role of forests in driving economic prosperity and supporting livelihoods. To mark the occasion, there is an ongoing two-day national workshop (Saturday and Sunday) on “Promoting Forest-Based Sustainable Bioeconomy: Issues and Challenges” two-day national workshop on “Promoting Forest-Based Sustainable Bioeconomy: Issues and Challenges” at ICFRE, Dehradunat ICFRE, under the aegis of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The workshop is focusing on key themes such as forest-based bio-products and their commercialisation, sustainable forest management, policy frameworks, entrepreneurship, and the role of innovation in advancing the bioeconomy. It seeks to promote the sustainable utilisation of forest resources to create value-added products, support local livelihoods and reduce pressure on natural forests.
Technical sessions during the workshop are covering areas including agroforestry, non-wood forest products, engineered wood products, forest industries, carbon markets, wildlife conservation, ecotourism and digital monitoring.
The event has brought together scientists, policymakers, industry stakeholders and forest managers from across the country to deliberate on strengthening India’s forest-based bioeconomy, with a focus on identifying key challenges, exploring opportunities and shaping policy and strategic interventions in the sector.
On the occasion, Kanchan Devi presented Yadav with an artwork depicting the Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, crafted using pyrography, a distinctive art form from Munsyari in Pithoragarh district.
