India-JICA Forest Capacity Enhancement Project Launch
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a seven-year Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project during a workshop in New Delhi on September 25, 2026. Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the workshop, which was attended by senior ministry officers, JICA India representatives, and officials from state/UT forest departments, research institutions, and central training institutes.
The project has a total financial outlay of Rs. 537.10 crore, with JICA contributing Rs. 440.42 crore (82% of funding) and the Government of India providing Rs. 96.68 crore (18% share). The implementation period spans from 2025-26 to 2031-32, covering all states in India with priority given to new participating states while also supporting states previously included in related projects.
Key objectives include enhancing the capacity of frontline forest personnel to address changing forest and wildlife management requirements, emerging climate and environmental concerns, and diverse field responsibilities. The project specifically focuses on strengthening technical and field-level capabilities in forest fire management, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. It envisages strengthening research and development to translate knowledge into improved training and sustainable forest management practices.
Minister Yadav emphasized the need for region-specific capacity-building modules reflecting local knowledge and challenges, calling for tangible action based on latest scientific approaches and emerging technologies. The project components include research for practical technological solutions, pilot projects for field-level application, strengthening training institutions for practice-oriented training, and sharing best practices with SAARC and other developing countries.
Mr. Eiji Wakamatsu, Senior Representative of JICA India Office, noted that this initiative builds upon nearly three decades of forestry sector cooperation between India and Japan that has benefited more than 700,000 people. The second phase focuses on wood transformation and livelihood generation, digital transformation for improved forest management, and collaborative academic research. The project aims to strengthen India's leadership in the Global South in forest management, climate change, and capacity building.