Giving recognition to the management of forests in Uttar Pradesh, international organization Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has given a certificate to the state Forest Corporation. An official communiqué of the government confirmed that the certification would ensure acceptability of forest products from UP in the international market and increase revenue and also increase the state’s reputation internationally.
The Forest portfolio is being handled by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. The release said that 13 forest divisions, including Shivalika, Najibabad, Pilibhit, Shahjahanpur, Bijnor, Kheri, Gonda, Bahraich, Shravasti, Gorakhpur, Katarniya Ghat and Suhelwa, have been mentioned in the certificate. These divisions cover 3.49 lakh hectares land and have 41 species of trees.
Following the certification, participation of local people would be ensured in the management of forests with focus on security and conservation of forests. This certification has been done by SCS Global Services, which is recognised by FCS. The FSC is an international not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder organization established in 1993 to promote responsible management of the world’s forests, the release mentioned. Its main tools for achieving this end are standard setting, certification and labeling of forest products.
