This new report released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests provides a holistic overview capturing comprehensively India's policies and programme related to desertification, land degradation & drought.

This report provides a holistic overview capturing comprehensively India's policies and programme related to desertification, land degradation and drought. Poverty and environmental degradation are major problems in dry lands, where forests and trees contribute significantly to rural livelihoods. In order to eradicate poverty in the dry lands, it is important to protect the land from deforestation, fragmentation, degradation and drought. About 228 mha (69%) of India's total geographical area (about 328 mha) is under dry lands (arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid). These areas incidentally are highly populated which makes the people vulnerable to environmental stress and impacts livelihoods directly. In order to tackle the issues of desertification, land degradation and droughts, 22 major programmes are being implemented in the country, including, the “Mission for Green India”, one of the Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change, which will address dry
land forests, in addition to other ecosystems. This report not only encompasses the Government of India's initiatives but also Civil
Society's contribution in addressing the issues of desertification, land degradation and drought.

See Also

Report: Impact of climate change on land degradation over India.
Report: Economics of desertification, land degradation and drought.
Report: Desertification - coping with today’s global challenges.
Report: The forgotten billion.
Report: Draft UNCCD water policy advocacy framework.
Report: Securing water resources for water scarce ecosystems.
Report: National plan on climate change.
Report: India State of Forest Report.