New Delhi/Bali: India has made a significant leap in global environmental rankings, securing the 9th position worldwide in terms of total forest area, according to the Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.
The country also continues to hold the 3rd spot globally in annual forest area gain, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable forest management, ecological balance, and climate resilience.
Environment Minister Shares Milestone Achievement
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, shared the development on social media platform ‘X’, expressing pride in India’s progress:
“India is Top 9 in the Global Forest Assessment 2025 🌳🌲
Here is a reason to rejoice for all Indians… We have achieved 9th rank in terms of forest area globally as compared to 10th spot in the previous assessment. We have also maintained our 3rd position globally in terms of annual gain.”
Recognition of India’s Forest and Environmental Policies
The Minister attributed this achievement to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the successful implementation of policies focused on forest conservation, afforestation, and community-led environmental awareness.
“The achievement comes on the back of the Modi government’s planning and policies for protection and enhancement of forests and the massive plantation efforts by State Governments,” Shri Yadav stated.
‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ Initiative Driving Public Participation
Highlighting the role of public involvement, Mr. Yadav pointed to the Prime Minister’s campaign ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’, which has mobilized citizens across India to plant trees in honour of their mothers. The campaign has grown into a national movement, significantly enhancing green cover and environmental awareness.
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The government’s continued focus on community-driven forest management and eco-conscious development is seen as a key driver of India’s rising global standing in forest conservation metrics.
FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA)
The GFRA 2025 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a comprehensive analysis of global forest resources, their changes, and sustainability efforts.
India’s improved ranking is a reflection of both policy effectiveness and grassroots participation in environmental stewardship.
India’s Green Growth Strategy in Focus
India’s rise from 10th to 9th in total forest area, along with its consistent position as the 3rd highest contributor to annual forest gain, positions it as a global leader in climate action and forest restoration.
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These improvements align with India’s broader climate commitments, including its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, where afforestation and ecosystem preservation play a central role.
