Asiapacific countries meet on forestry

The fragility of the Himalayan eco-system and the forest-dependent local economy, along with other forestry problems, will come up for discussion when the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission meets tomorrow in Dehra Dun, which is fast emerging as India's forestry capital.

Participants from 30 countries of the Asia-Pacific region and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organisations will take part in the five-day meet at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) here.

Union Minister of State for Environment Namo Narain Meena will inaugurate the meet, held every two years.

Deputy Director-General of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Shashi Kumar said more than 2,000 delegates would be participating in the event.

Another topic to be discussed is invasive species that are causing enormous damage to the forests of the region.

With globalisation and economic growth, the regional governments are recognising the need to improve partnerships for poverty alleviation programmes. A pre-meeting regional workshop on forests and poverty reduction is also being organized at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

To improve forest harvesting practices for sustainable management that contribute to the benefit of the community as a whole and to reduce environmental and social impacts, the FRI will hold a session to discuss the regional strategy on the issue.