At FAO COFO-28, India cites 25.17% forest and tree cover and 3rd rank in net forest gain
At the 28th session of the FAO Committee on Forestry in Rome (28 September to 2 October 2026), India said its forest and tree cover is 82.74 million hectares, or 25.17 per cent of its area. FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 ranks India 9th in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest gain.
- Meeting
- COFO 28, FAO, Rome
- Dates
- 28 Sep to 2 Oct 2026
- Forest and tree cover
- 82.74 million ha (25.17%)
- FAO FRA 2025
- 9th in area, 3rd in net gain
- Carbon sink by 2021
- 2.29 billion tonnes CO2e
- Bonn Challenge
- 26 million ha by 2030; 21.76 done
India’s forest restoration record at COFO 28: what happened?
COFO is FAO’s main body on forest policy. This year it focused on forest and land restoration, and India used it to show its numbers and ask for money and technology for developing countries.
- At FAO’s 28th Committee on Forestry in Rome (28 Sep–2 Oct 2026), India showcased forest and landscape restoration [PIB].
- Forest and tree cover: 82.74 million ha, 25.17% of geographical area; FAO FRA 2025 ranks India 9th in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain [PIB].
What are India’s forest targets?
- NDC: extra carbon sink of 3.5 to 4.0 billion tonnes CO2e by 2035, compared with 2005; 2.29 billion tonnes already by 2021.
- Bonn Challenge: restore 26 million ha of degraded and deforested land by 2030; 21.76 million ha under restoration.
Which restoration drives did India show?
- Aravalli Green Wall: about 6.45 million ha of degraded land identified.
- MISHTI: mangrove restoration on the coast.
- Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: more than 3.5 billion saplings planted.
Why does India’s forest restoration record at COFO 28 matter?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| Climate | Forests are central to India’s carbon-sink goal. |
| Diplomacy | India speaks for developing countries on finance and technology. |
| Livelihood | Restoration supports local communities. |
What are the challenges in India’s forest restoration record at COFO 28?
- Bonn target still has about 4 million ha to go.
- Tree cover counts plantations, which differ from natural forest.
- Finance for restoration in developing countries is short.
What should be done next on India’s forest restoration record at COFO 28?
- Keep restored land healthy, not just planted.
- Use the proposed UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation, 2027-2036, to draw finance.
What can Prelims ask on India’s forest restoration record at COFO 28?
- COFO is a committee of FAO.
- FAO FRA 2025: India 9th in forest area, 3rd in net annual gain.
- Bonn Challenge India target: 26 million ha by 2030.
- MISHTI is about mangroves.
- Proposed UN Decade for Afforestation and Reforestation: 2027-2036.
How to write about India’s forest restoration record at COFO 28 in Mains
Practice question (15 marks, 250 words): Assess India’s progress on forest and land restoration in the light of its climate commitments.
- Intro: COFO 28 numbers.
- Targets: NDC sink, Bonn Challenge.
- Drives: Aravalli Green Wall, MISHTI.
- Gaps and way forward.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB, MoEFCC (2026-09-28): at FAO's 28th Committee on Forestry in Rome (28 Sep–2 Oct 2026), India showcased forest and landscape restoration.
- Forest statistics and NDC carbon-sink targets are recurring Prelims facts.
Quotable data pointForest and tree cover: 82.74 million ha, 25.17% of geographical area; FAO FRA 2025 ranks India 9th in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest area gain.
PIB, MoEFCC: India at COFO 28, Rome, 28 Sep 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: forest cover %, FRA ranks. · Mains: Quality vs quantity of forest cover.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
COFO, in news, is a committee of
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB, 28 Sep 2026.
As per FAO FRA 2025, India ranks ___ in net annual forest area gain.
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB, 28 Sep 2026.
Under the Bonn Challenge, India aims to restore by 2030
Answer (c) & explanation
PIB, 28 Sep 2026.
Questions students ask about this
What is India's forest and tree cover?
82.74 million hectares, 25.17 per cent of its geographical area.
Where does India rank in net forest gain?
Third, as per FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025.
What is India's Bonn Challenge target?
Restoring 26 million hectares by 2030; 21.76 million hectares are under restoration.
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Official source: PIB, MoEFCC: India at COFO 28, Rome, 28 Sep 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending