India presented its forest and landscape restoration programmes at the 28th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s Committee on Forestry in Rome. The meeting is being held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, 2026.

In its statement, India outlined forest cover data, land restoration programmes, climate targets and initiatives involving forests and coastal ecosystems. It also called for greater international cooperation on financing, technology transfer and capacity building for restoration projects.

Forest Cover And Carbon Sink Data

According to figures presented by India, the country has 82.74 million hectares of forest and tree cover. This represents 25.17% of its geographical area.

India cited the FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, which places the country ninth globally by forest area and third in net annual forest area gain.

The government also reported that India had created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2021. It has set a target of creating an additional 3.5 billion to 4 billion tonnes by 2035, compared with 2005 levels.

Land Restoration And Conservation Programmes

India told the meeting that it has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030 under the Bonn Challenge. It reported that 21.76 million hectares have so far been brought under restoration.

The government also cited the Aravalli Green Wall initiative, under which about 6.45 million hectares of degraded land have been identified for restoration.

For coastal areas, India highlighted the MISHTI programme, which focuses on mangrove restoration. The government also reported that the number of Ramsar Sites in India has reached 101.

Planting Programme And International Cooperation

India reported that more than 3.5 billion saplings have been planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” or “Plant4Mother” campaign.

At the FAO meeting, India called for increased access to climate and biodiversity finance, technology and technical capacity for developing countries. It also supported greater South-South and triangular cooperation on forest restoration.

India further said it would work with FAO and other member states on the proposed UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation for 2027-2036.