India Launches Japan-Funded JICA Capacity Building Project for Forest Management in New Delhi

Key facts

• Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the 'Capacity Building for Effective Forest Management Project' workshop in New Delhi on September 25, 2026, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
• The seven-year project runs from 2025-26 to 2031-32 with a total cost of ₹537.10 crore, comprising a JICA contribution of ₹440.42 crore and a Government of India share of ₹96.68 crore.
• The project will cover all states across India and focus on forest fire management, biodiversity conservation, climate change response, technology-based forest management solutions, pilot projects for technology adoption, and strengthening forestry training institutions.
• The initiative will promote sharing of best practices with developing countries, including SAARC nations, and includes wood processing, livelihood generation, digital transformation, and collaborative academic research.
• JICA India representative Eiji Wakamatsu noted that JICA's forestry partnership with India has continued for nearly three decades and has benefited more than 7 lakh people.
• Additional Director General (Wildlife) Ramesh Pandey stated the project cost details, and a project brochure outlining objectives and areas of cooperation was released during the workshop.