The Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal commenced its five-day compulsory training course for IFS officers on the "Value of Ecosystem Services" on Monday.
The training programme was attended by 14 IFS officers serving across the various states of the country. The inaugural session was chaired by Dr Dilip Kumar, IFS, PCCF (Protection), M.P; Prof. Prafulla Y Agnihotri, Director, IIM Sirmaur; K Ravichandran, IFS, Director, IIFM; Dr CP Kala, Chairperson (MDP), IIFM and Dr Advait Edgaonkar, Programme Director, IIFM.
In his inaugural address, the Chief Guest Dr Dilip Kumar emphasized the crucial role of IFS officers in addressing environmental change, highlighting the responsibility to preserve ecosystems and promote afforestation. He commended the MP forest department's efforts and stressed the urgent need to increase forest cover outside traditional forest areas, aligning with the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. He also commended the significant study conducted by IIFM, Bhopal, particularly on tiger reserves such as Kanha and Panna, which are leading the way in conservation initiatives.
Addressing the officers, Dr K Ravichandran, Director, IIFM highlighted the institute's track record as a pioneer in ecosystem services valuation, having assisted 16 tiger reserves and committing to aid four more. Stressing the need for foresters to grasp ecosystem services valuation, he emphasized the need for this course aimed at enhancing understanding of the various aspects of ecosystem services valuation.
This five-day training program features sessions led by distinguished experts, covering essential topics such as Ecosystem Services Valuation and its Methods, Estimation of Production Potential NTFPs in MP, Assessment of Carbon storage using InVEST, Non-monetary valuation methods, Carbon Projects for Community Livelihoods, Ecosystem Services Valuation of Tiger Reserves, etc,. Furthermore, there will be an interactive panel discussion on enhancing the efficiency of forest departments - The need for cadre development through training and skill improvement. The training will also include a field trip to Udaigiri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
