ICFRE

ICFRE Organized an Inception Workshop of Transboundary Approaches to Sustainable Forest Management for Enhancing Climate Resilience and Reducing Disaster Risk in the Himalayas (TRANSMIT) Project
The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, organized an Inception Workshop of the project “Transboundary Approaches to Sustainable Forest Management for Enhancing Climate Resilience and Reducing Disaster Risk in the Himalayas (TRANSMIT)” at its headquarters in Dehradun on 19 June 2026.
The project is funded by German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity through Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. Project is executed by the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, ICIMOD, ICFRE, Forest Action Nepal, Nepal Forest Fire Management Chapter and Global Fire Monitoring Center.
The Chief Guest of the workshop Madam Kanchan Devi, Director General, ICFRE in her inaugural address highlighted the vital ecosystem services provided by Himalayan forests that support both upland and downstream communities. She emphasized the importance of sustainable forest management, scientific research, and community participation in enhancing climate resilience and reducing disaster risks. She acknowledged the significant role of Van Panchayats in sustainable forest management. Noting that the Himalaya is among the regions most vulnerable to climate change, she pointed to rising temperatures, shrinking glaciers, erratic rainfall, increasing forest fires, landslides, and ecosystem degradation as major concerns. In this context, she described the TRANSMIT Project as a timely and significant initiative, emphasizing that its focus on the Mahakali/Sharda transboundary landscape recognizes the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the need for collaborative approaches beyond political boundaries to address shared environmental challenges.
Dr. S. S. Negi, Vice-Chairman, Palayan Ayog, Uttarakhand and Guest of Honour of the workshop, underscored the importance of integrating forest conservation with livelihood security and sustainable regional development, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches that strengthen ecological resilience while enhancing community well-being. He also identified human–wildlife conflict as one of the major challenges facing Uttarakhand, emphasizing the need for science-based and community-driven strategies to mitigate its impacts on both local livelihoods and wildlife conservation.
Shri S. P. Subuddhi, PCCF (Van Panchayat), Uttarakhand Forest Department and Special Guest of the workshop, underscored the pivotal role of Van Panchayats in forest governance and ecosystem conservation. He highlighted the ecological and socio-economic significance of the project area, noting that the transboundary landscape has received limited research attention so far. He expressed confidence that the project would generate valuable scientific insights and contribute significantly to both the ecological sustainability and economic well-being of communities across the transboundary region.
Prof. Dr. Ralph Mitlöhner, Project Lead of the TRANSMIT Project, University of Göttingen in his welcome address and opening remarks, emphasized the immense ecological significance of the Himalaya and its forest resources in providing ecosystem services that support local communities. He stated that the TRANSMIT Project builds upon findings from previous research and has been strategically designed to address pressing challenges related to climate change, forest fires and disaster risks in the Mahakali/Sharda transboundary landscape of India and Nepal through science-based, collaborative and sustainable approaches.
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, ADG (Biodiversity and Climate Change Division), ICFRE, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and presented an overview of the workshop, outlining its objectives and expected outcomes. He highlighted the growing ecological challenges and increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters across the Himalayan states, emphasizing their far-reaching impacts on ecosystems and local communities. He noted that the TRANSMIT Project has been thoughtfully designed to address these emerging concerns through scientific research, collaborative action, and evidence-based interventions aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainable development in the region.
The workshop brought together more than 50 participants, both in-person and virtually, representing the Uttarakhand Forest Department, Van Panchayats, research institutions, academia, international organizations, NGOs, and project consortium partners. Experts from India, Nepal, and Germany shared their perspectives on the objectives, scope, and expected outcomes of the TRANSMIT Project, highlighting opportunities for strengthening transboundary cooperation, climate resilience, sustainable forest management, and disaster risk reduction in the Himalayan region.
The workshop concluded with a strong collective commitment from all consortium partners and stakeholders to work collaboratively towards sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, enhanced climate resilience and effective disaster risk reduction in the Mahakali/ Sharda Transboundary Landscape.

The Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management (CoE-SLM), Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, organized a National Seminar on 17 June 2026 to commemorate the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD) 2026. The global theme for this year, “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”, underscores the critical role of rangelands and pastoral ecosystems in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining ecological balance.
Dr. Vineet Kumar, Deputy Director General (Education), ICFRE, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the importance of sustainable land management, ecosystem restoration, and collective action to mitigate the impacts of desertification and drought.
The observance of WDCDD-2026 highlighted the economic, ecological, and cultural significance of rangelands, emphasised the need to recognise and respect Indigenous and pastoral communities as their traditional stewards, and called for enhanced investments in restoration and sustainable management efforts.
The seminar featured four thematic lectures delivered by eminent experts. Dr. A.K. Shukla, Principal Scientist, ICAR–Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI), Jhansi, delivered a lecture on Ecological Significance of Rangelands and Pastoral Systems in India. Dr. Rajkamal Goswami, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru, spoke on Rangeland Degradation and Biodiversity Conservation. Dr. Ranjana Negi, Senior Scientist, ICFRE–Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla, shared insights on Restoration of Alpine and High-Altitude Grasslands. Shri Dheeraj Mittal, IFS, Gujarat Forest Department, presented valuable lessons from Banni Grassland Restoration and Community-Based Landscape Management, highlighting the importance of community participation in restoring degraded landscapes and promoting sustainable ecosystem management.
The seminar was attended by officers and scientists from ICFRE Headquarters and its constituent institutes, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and discussions on sustainable rangeland management, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity conservation.

A Special Issue on the theme Restoring Land Restoring Hope published by CoE- SLM, ICFRE was released by Hon'ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. Of India on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June 2026 in New Delhi

The National Workshop on “Promoting Sustainable Forest-Based Bioeconomy: Issues and Challenges” was held on 21–22 March 2026 at ICFRE, Dehradun, on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, observed under the theme “Forests and Economies.” The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in the presence of policymakers, scientists, industry representatives, and practitioners.
The workshop deliberated on key themes, including sustainable resource-based bioeconomy, forest-based industries, climate change mitigation, and wildlife-linked bioeconomy. It emphasized integrating agroforestry and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) into national strategies, with a focus on high-value crops, value addition, and improved market access. Strengthening Trees Outside Forests (ToF), promoting wood as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive materials, and supporting forest-based enterprises through cluster-based development and policy reforms were highlighted.
Discussions underscored the importance of circular economy approaches, including waste valorisation and efficient resource use. Enhancing farmer–industry linkages, harmonised certification systems, and capacity building were identified as key enablers.
On climate action, the workshop recommended large-scale afforestation, restoration of degraded lands, and adoption of nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration. It also emphasized developing India-specific carbon market frameworks, strengthening digital MRV systems, and aligning forestry interventions with national climate goals.
It was also recommended to integrate satellite-based forest monitoring through a unified geospatial framework combining remote sensing, AI/ML tools, and field data for real-time decision-making. It was also suggested that Tree improvement investments may be enhanced through sustained funding support, recognizing the long-term nature of breeding programmes and their contribution to the bioeconomy.

The workshop concluded by advocating integrated strategies combining technology, institutional support, and community participation to advance a resilient and inclusive forest-based bioeconomy in India.

On the occasion of International Day of Forests, Sh. Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister, MoEF&CC, inaugurated the two‑day National Workshop on “Promoting Sustainable Forest‑Based Bioeconomy: Issues & Challenges” organized by ICFRE with the support of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India at FRI Dehradun. Sh. Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, MoEFCC, Sh. Sushil Kumar Awasthi, DGF&SS, Smt. Kanchan Devi, DG ICFRE, Ministry officials, DDGs, Directors of ICFRE & other institutes, PPCFs, HoFFs, State Forest Department officials & industries representatives attended the inaugural session.

During 63rd Board of Governors Meeting of ICFRE two books were released by Shri Tanmay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India:
1️⃣Protocols for Long Term Monitoring of Climate Driven Effects on Forests.
2️⃣Telangana’s Traditional Knowledge: An Ethnobotanical Treasure.

63 BoG meeting of ICFRE was held on 02.03.26 at MoEF&CC, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Mr. Tanmay Kumar, IAS, Secretary MoEF&CC. Sh. Sushil Kumar Awasthi, DGF&SS, Mrs. Kanchan Devi, DG, ICFRE, BoG members, Ministry Officials, DDGs & ADGs from ICFRE attended the meeting.

63 BoG meeting of ICFRE was held on 02.03.26 at MoEF&CC, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Mr. Tanmay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, MoEF&CC. Sh. Sushil Kumar Awasthi, DGF&SS, Mrs. Kanchan Devi, DG, ICFRE, BoG members, Ministry Officials, DDGs & ADGs from ICFRE attended the meeting.

दिनांक 10.02.2026 को भा.वा.अ.शि.प. मुख्यालय तथा भा.वा.अ.शि.प.-व.अ.सं., देहरादून के सौजन्य से परिषद मुख्यालय में राजभाषा हिन्दी कार्यशाला आयोजित की गई। कार्यशाला में परिषद मुख्यालय तथा संस्थान के विभिन्न निदेशालयों/कार्यालयों/ प्रभागों से उपस्थित कुल 55 अधिकारियों तथा कर्मचारियों को राजभाषा निगरानी पंजिका तथा त्रैमासिक प्रतिवेदन में उचित रूप से आंकड़ों की प्रविष्टि संबंधी विस्तृत जानकारी प्रदान की गई।