12th Annual JICA Assisted Forestry Workshop in Shimla To Advance Sustainable Resource Management

The 12th edition of the Annual Workshop of JICA Assisted Forestry & National Resource Management Projects was successfully held in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Organized by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, under the Project for Improvement of Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystem Management and Livelihoods (PIHPFEM&L), the workshop focused on fostering partnerships and cooperation in sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, livelihood development, and digital transformation for climate change mitigation.

Distinguished guests, including officials from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, and senior officers from various states, attended the event. Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of JICA India, along with the forestry and NRM sector team, participated in the workshop. The gathering brought together renowned national and international speakers who engaged in insightful discussions on crucial topics such as sustainable forest management, ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, digital transformation, and livelihood opportunities creation.

The workshop facilitated collaboration and knowledge-sharing through expert-led technical sessions. It also provided opportunities for cultural exchanges, field excursions, and a special session on stress management, underscoring the significance of sustainable forestry and biodiversity preservation.

Furthermore, Mr. SAITO inaugurated the HIM Tradition outlet, showcasing products developed by self-help groups as part of the JICA-assisted project for improving Himachal Pradesh's forest ecosystem management and livelihoods.

During the event, Mr. SAITO emphasized the fruitful collaboration between JICA, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and various states over the past three decades. He highlighted the need to address climate change through sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, livelihoods, and digital transformation.

Mr. SAITO appreciated the efforts made by the Forestry Department and the Government of Himachal Pradesh to sustain project activities even during challenging times.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed gratitude to JICA and Mr. SAITO for hosting the annual workshop in Shimla. He emphasized the state's rich biodiversity and the potential for forest conservation to combat climate change. The Chief Minister praised JICA's investments in forestry projects, which have contributed to skill development, employment generation, and the sustainable use of forest ecosystems in Himachal Pradesh. He expressed that the collective commitment can  transform the state into a "Green State" by leveraging modern technology and improving natural resource quality.

The International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated each year on May 22, raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation in resolving several sustainable development challenges. 

JICA has been actively working towards sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and forest ecosystem services for over three decades. JICA’s cumulative commitment to the Forestry & the National Resource Management (NRM) sector in India stands at JPY 313.80 billion, covering 31 ODA loan projects and 2 Technical Cooperation projects.  Furthermore, JICA's recent Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change Response in West Bengal (WB-FBCCCR) aims to bolster forest management, encourage sustainable utilization of resources, and uplift livelihoods in the state.

Additionally, it addresses the detrimental impacts of climate change by preserving biodiversity, increasing forest carbon stocks, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. By involving local communities and raising public awareness, JICA intends to create a more participatory and inclusive approach to forest management.

About JICA:

Established as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to promote international cooperation. The largest bilateral donor agency globally, JICA acts as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, providing loans, grants, and technical cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of partner nations.