IIC Delhi’s Webinar “Targeting Sustainability of Forests through Certification and NCCF Standards“

The India International Centre (IIC), Delhi organized a webinar on the theme; Targeting Sustainability of Forests through Certification and NCCF Standards “ 

Mr. K.N. Shrivastava, Director, IIC, explained the context of the webinar and cited recent natural disasters in Uttarakhand that re-emphasize the significance of sustainable forest management for amelioration of the global environment, alleviating effects of climate change, and ensuring the survival of mankind.

Mr. Ben Gunneberg, CEO and Secretary General, PEFC  gave an account of the coverage of PEFC certified forest areas in the world and how certification has contributed to the promotion of sustainable management of natural resources and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. A.K. Srivastava, Director General, NCCF, in his talk, elaborated the need for certification as an emerging global movement supporting sustainable development while ensuring compliance to all forest and wildlife-related legislation, rights of local communities including tribal and workers, economic growth, fair trade, livelihoods, value chains, consumer protection, and also enhancing competitiveness, technological innovation and quality of health and safety of forest workers, biodiversity and environmental conservation.

Mr. Srivastava emphasized large-scale adoption of certification by the Wood Based Industries which will further contribute to doubling the farmers’ income and facilitate implementation of the ‘Make in India Programme’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’(self-reliant India). As a nation, we must integrate the concept of “Grow more wood-use more wood” in our developmental and environmental priorities.

A Background note on the theme of the webinar may be accessed here  

Presentation made by Mr. Ak Srivastava may be accessed here