President Droupadi Murmu, on Wednesday, called on Indian Forest Service officials to come up with new and innovative methods for sustainable management of the country’s forest resources. She said they must also play an effective role in protecting forests from illegal activities which have a negative economic and environmental impact.

Addressing forest service probationers who called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Murmu said forests were the anchors for all life on earth. Their role varies from providing wildlife habitats and being livelihood sources, to promoting economic activities and serving as large carbon sinks. ”They are home to many endangered species of the world. Minor Forest Produce supports the livelihood of well over 27 crore people in our country. Forests have high medicinal value too.”

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The President pointed out that India was giving special attention to the rights of forest-dwelling communities. The symbiotic relationship of the forest dwellers, including tribal communities, with the forests, was now widely recognised and factored into the country’s development choices.

”It is the responsibility of Indian Forest Service Officers to make these communities aware of their rights and duties towards conservation and protection of bio-diversity,” she added.

The President observed that these days one often hears of many large forest fires in various parts of India and the world. ”We have a big challenge of not just conserving the forests but dealing with climate change. Today we have new technologies and concepts of urban forestry, forest risk mitigation, data-driven forest management and climate-smart forest economies.”

The President further said that forests were essential for the social, cultural, and economic development of the country. ”We must keep our forests alive and healthy. Development is a must and so is sustainability. Nature has given us bountiful presents and it is the duty of each one of us to be sensitive and responsible towards the environment. We have to gift our future generations, regenerated natural resources and a beautiful country with a sustainable ecosystem.”