India Showcases Forest Cover Gains and Restoration Initiatives at FAO Committee on Forestry 28th Session in Rome

Key facts

• India presented its forest and landscape restoration achievements at the 28th Session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28), held in Rome from September 28 to October 2, 2026.
• India's forest and tree cover stands at 82.74 million hectares, covering 25.17 per cent of its geographical area.
• The FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 ranks India 9th globally in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain.
• India created an additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2021 and aims to create 3.5-4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2035 compared with 2005 levels.
• Under the Bonn Challenge, India committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land by 2030, with 21.76 million hectares already under restoration.
• Under the Aravalli Green Wall initiative, approximately 6.45 million hectares of degraded land have been identified for restoration, while the MISHTI initiative is advancing mangrove restoration in coastal landscapes.
• India's number of Ramsar Sites has reached 101, and over 3.5 billion saplings have been planted under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam - Plant4Mother initiative.
• India called for sustainable financing for developing countries and reaffirmed commitment to the proposed UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation 2027-2036.