Ms. Shweta Tyagi, Associate Editor, Focus Global Reporter conducted an interview with Dr. Sandeep Tripathi, IEM, Central Vigilance Commission, Govt. of India, Rtd. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Odisha, and Chief Technical Advisor – Environment & Forest, India Water Foundation. Excerpts from the Interview are reproduced here.
A Natural Resource Management Professional belonging to the 1984 batch of IFS, has thirty eight years of working experience in Provincial and Federal Governments. He was earlier involved in the National Forest Cover Mapping of the country using remote sensing and GIS techniques as Joint Director in the Forest Survey of India during 1996-2001. He has also worked as Secretary, ICFRE, Head, Biodiversity Climate Change Division and Advisor, Biodiversity and Climate Change Division, Director (Research), and DDG (Research), ICFRE during 2006-13. Dr. Tripathi was PCCF (WL) & CWLW, Odisha from August, 2017 to February 2019 & PCCF & HoFF , Odisha from March, 2019 to January,2021. He served as Principal Advisor (F&E), Odisha Mining Corporation, Ltd. Odisha from 2021-23. Presently Dr Tripathi is serving as Independent External Monitor for Central Vigilance Commissioner since 2023 & member of MEE team for NTCA, MoEF& CC.
Dr. Tripathi was a member of the Climate Change Subgroup of MoEF&CC, Government of India and evaluated the A&R CDM Projects of India, for its submission to the CDM Executive Board. In the UNFCCC COP/MOP at Nairobi in 2006 and Bali in December, 2007, and at SBSTA Meetings at Bonn, FAO, Rome; he actively participated in international deliberations on REDD + & other climate change issues on behalf of the Government of India. He is Member of the Steering Committee of Asia Flux network, Japan and participated in the AsiaFlux Workshops at Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. He pioneered UKFC, Edinburg –India-ICFRE Forest Landscape Restoration Project during 2011-13 & visited UKFC, Edinburgh in May 2011, August 2011 & March 2013. He has done his Ph. D. in evaluation of CDM A&R Projects from FRI University, Dehradun in 2013.
Dr. Tripathi has contributed a lot towards Policy instruments in Odisha. The first IT Policy & Biotechnology Policy of the State was enacted during his tenure in S & T and I. T. Dept., Govt. of Odisha. He was a member of the Kasturirangan Committee during the 1990s mandated to develop the Data Policy of the country. He is instrumental in development of “Odisha State Data Policy-2015” and establishment of Odisha Spatial Data Infrastructure (OSDI) in the line of NSDI, S&T Dept., Govt. of India. He is also a member of the Expert Committee, constituted by Dept. of S&T, Govt. of India in August 2015 for preparation of “National Geospatial Policy” of the country.
He has more than 60 research publications, primarily on Climate Change and application of Remote Sensing and GIS in forest management apart from 4 Books / Chapters under his credit.
INTERVIEW
Associate Editor: You’ve had a significant role in the development of REDD+ policy instruments. Could you share some insights into the current progress and challenges faced in implementing REDD+ initiatives globally?
Dr. Tripathi: The reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in developing countries, erstwhile “Avoided Deforestation”, “Compensated reduction”, and “Reducing Emission form Deforestation (RED), has been an active agenda in UNFCCC to achieve the climate change mitigation objectives.
The REDD+ issues were raised first time at greater length by Indian delegation of which I was a part in the UN Climate Change Conference in Nairobi (COP 12 in 2006) & Bali (COP 13 in 2007), where inclusion of conservation and increment of forest cover as a policy approach to reduce emission from deforestation was recognized & monetarily incentivized and given effect to in the Bali Action Plan as a Policy approach along with role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and collectively referred to as “REDD-plus”.
In India under the proposed REDD+ Pilot financial incentives through voluntary carbon markets are being provided to the forest dwelling communities involved in conservation of forests, duly certified by an accredited agency. Such a pilot project in the East Khasi Hills in Meghalaya is already being run jointly by a California-based non-profit organization, Community Forestry International (CFI) and the Mawphlang community (Meghalaya). They have been working together in the Umiam basin watershed region to develop a REDD+ Project in East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya.
However, the REDD mechanism has lost much of it significance due to scrapping of Kyoto Protocol. The UNFCCC Green Fund has not been able to supplement and finance REDD + on a significant rate and is mostly supported by voluntary markets which pay more importance to REDD than REDD + activities which is a big policy barrier and challenge.
There is scope and opportunity for integrating the REDD plus actions with JFM in the country. The concept of Joint Forest Management (JFM) helps in increasing the productivity of the degraded forests. Improving the stocking of poorly stocked forests also in turn increases their carbon stocks besides improving flow of goods like timber, fuelwood, and fodder etc. from such forests. All these community based activities and measures can be dovetailed into mitigation measures, with sizable potential for increasing the sequestration of carbon. However, for this purpose, methodologies and modalities for a procedural framework need to be worked out to ensure people’s participation and sharing of the benefits accruing from REDD plus actions that are measurable, reportable and verifiable (MRVable).
Associate Editor: With your background in geomatics and information technology, how do you see advancements in these fields shaping the future of natural resource management, particularly in the context of addressing climate change impacts?
Dr. Tripathi: Natural resource management is critical to ensuring that our resources are effectively and sustainably managed. Geomatics technologies provide a platform through which managers can compile information and informative data to improve decision-making for sustainable development across the board. Geomatics inclusive of IT and remote sensing has huge scope in the mapping process of natural resources including Vegetation maps, Land cover maps, Soil maps, Geology maps and Shoreline erosion maps, etc.Geomatics enables spatial data collection & collation in the same location within intervals (years, seasons, days, hours) with Satellite data having high spectral, spatial, radiometric, and temporal resolutions. Another important area is Natural Hazards and Risk Assessment to monitor possible risks and hazardous areas prone to flooding, landslides, forest fires, soil erosion, droughts, earthquakes, and more.
I have been in the forefront in development of digital methodology for biennial Forest over Mapping done by FSI, Dehradun as Deputy Director & Joint Director, FSI for publication of Indian State of Forest Reports and Eco-sensitive zone mapping in ORSAC (Odisha Remote Sensing Application Center), Odisha as Chief Executive for such NRM. Apart from that number of apps has been developed by us in ORSAC for identification of Forest lands, revenue lands, and mining areas for sustainable planning by the managers.
As our development wings spreads, and the climate change footprints enhances, it is critical to track changes due to impending climate change and to mitigate such risks through early planning and preparations. Geomatics can be effectively utilized to monitor land area changes between periods to improve decision-making and track changes in the environment due to climate and human impact. Geomatics is also valuable for monitoring deforestation assessment, urbanization, habitat fragmentation, salt marsh monitoring, and coastal shoreline erosion, etc. with informed decision-making. Geomatics is an essential tool for monitoring the growth and decline of natural resources in the environment and determines qualitative and quantitative data regarding environmental issues like land degradation, soil erosion, pollution, etc. and to help monitor ecological conditions in real-time.
The Geomatics can be also applied to develop forest & biodiversity management plans, Watershed Management decisions, and policy-making to ensure our natural resources are protected and utilised sustainably. Water management is an ongoing challenge, and geomatics helps monitor water bodies such as lakes, rivers, dams, and reservoirs mapped in 3D and monitored using GIS technology. Another area is to Combat Desertification wherein geomatics assists to determine soil types, nutrient availability, the best land use practices within a particular area, and their impacts on the environment and whether desert-like conditions are approaching in the area.
Associate Editor: Given your involvement in the UNFCCC COP/MOP meetings, particularly in Nairobi and Bali, what are your thoughts on the current state of international cooperation and progress towards mitigating climate change?
Dr. Tripathi: In my view with a climate cataclysm looming, the pace and scale of current climate action cooperation is wholly insufficient to effectively tackle climate change. As per the IPCC, to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre- industrial levels, emissions must already be decreasing and need to be cut by almost half by 2030, just six years away.Urgent and transformative actions are crucial, going beyond mere plans and promises. Time is running out, and immediate measures are necessary to avoid catastrophic consequences and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
As per specifically Indian context, India approach the negotiations on the foundational principles of equity, and common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities along with climate justice & historical responsibilities. India also emphasizes that all countries should have equitable access to the global carbon budget for keeping temperature increase within the limits set by the Paris Agreement. India has contributed only about 4% of the global cumulative greenhouse gas emissions between 1850 and 2019 despite being home to 17% of global population. Other important cooperation aspects for India is the transfer of climate finance and low-cost climate technologies for developing countries along with enhanced scale of climate finance by developed countries.India’s commitment to huge emission intensity reduction of the economy is another important aspect. According to its current NDC , submitted in August 2022, India will reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% (compared with 2005 levels), achieve 50% total installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel energy sources and focus on building momentum for its LiFE Movement (Lifestyle for Environment).
The just concluded COP28 summit, held in Dubai, Indian negotiators managed to get the final text of voluntary “transitioning away from fossil fuels”, which considering India huge dependence on coal for energy might be a win but big loss on a longer run for the globe.There has been some significant progress in the international cooperation is the operationalization of long awaited “Loss and Damage Fund” though with limited financial commitments for coping with devastation caused by extreme weather events such as drought, floods, and rising seas. The global community aims to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 while doubling the average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements. The emphasis is on a just, and equitable transition from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The recent COP28 has outlined a comprehensive approach to combating climate change by accelerating the adoption of renewables, nuclear power, carbon capture and utilization, storage technologies, and low-carbon hydrogen.Developed Countries have pledged commitments of worth $3.5 billion to replenish the resources of the Green Climate Fund; and over $150 million for the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDC).These are small but significant gains.
On a global context the international cooperation has so far obtained modest results. A recent study suggests that pledge and review mechanisms contained in the Paris Agreement have small effects on actual contributions towards emission reduction targets despite 28 Annual Climate Summits by the UN in past three decades. Apparently, the international cooperation has failed to ensure goals on mitigation of greenhouse gases, keeping global warming in check and desired actions on climate change adaptation. The overall cooperation status is dismal to say the least and totally insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement pledges. In this context when the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions – are due in 2025, the countries must seriously boost their actions and commitments.
Associate Editor: Could you share your views on the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and community participation in natural resource management initiatives, and how can these elements be effectively incorporated into policy frameworks?
Dr. Tripathi: The indigenous knowledge (IK) has an important role in the sustainable management of natural resources. The potential disappearance of indigenous practices could have a negative effect primarily on local tribal communities. IK has an important role to play in the development process to preserve valuable skills and technologies among local communities.
IK is widely used in medicine and around 80% of world’s population use traditional medicine for basic health care as per WHO estimates. Furthermore, the commercialization of traditional medicines is an important part of pharmaceutical research and development with world sales of herbal medicines market valued at US $150 billion in 2022 and poised to grow to US $ 438 billion by 2030.
Further, Food security is a basic concern of local communities. Natural resource dependence provides the livelihoods for a high proportion of the world’s population. Since the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, and culminating in the Stockholm Conference in 2022, there have been increasing concerns about climate change and the sustainability of the world’s natural resources. As human activity is the major destructive force in nature, improving NRM primarily requires changing human behavior at grassroots level with involvement of local communities. The Joint Forest Management (JFM) is an important policy instrument in this regard with around 15 million ha. Forest land under JFM with community involvement.
There is an urgent need to develop adequate frameworks fordealing with indigenous knowledge with proper benefit sharing mechanisms and complex issues of IPR embedded in appropriate policy framework which existing policy apparatus have failed to.
Associate Editor: Given the urgent need to address deforestation and forest degradation, how do you propose scaling up efforts to mobilize resources and support from both public and private sectors to achieve SDG 15 (Life on Land)?
Dr. Tripathi: Human life is hugely dependent on the land with almost 1.6 billion humans depend on forests to survive, and another 2.6 billion humans on agriculture. Forests are home to 80% of all terrestrial species of animals, plants, and insects. Plantlife impacts almost 80% of the human diet, and is a crucial resource. Forests cover 30% of the Earth’s surface, provide vital habitats for a huge number of animal species, while also being sources of fresh air and water beyond the positive impact they have on climate change.
However, life on land is seriously in peril with 13 million hectares annual loss of forests and land degradation leading to the desertification of 3.6 billion hectares. More than 25% of the species recorded on the IUCN Red List are close to extinction.
Considering these dire circumstances it is imperative to scale up efforts to mobilize resources and support from both public and private sectors to achieve the objectives of SDG 15.There is an urgent need to mobilize financial resources to finance sustainable forest management both by Government& Private Companies under CSR. The REDD + mechanism needs to be made more effective by augmenting REDD+ cell at MoEF&CC, New Delhi to access positive and appropriate incentives by India for mitigation of deforestation & Forest degradation along with conservation of ecosystems and reforestation. Apart from that the adaptation & mitigation actions needs to be planned & implemented with appropriate financial to mitigate impacts on land ecosystems and natural resources with best practices for land use planning and management.
Forest Certification mechanism needs to be implemented in a big way by MoEF&CC to expand markets for responsible forest products and thereby support sustainable forest management. The forestry research institutions like ICFRE should focus on research in product and technology innovation to optimize resource efficiency, reduce impacts on ecosystems and lower carbon emissions.
Associate Editor: Odisha boasts a remarkable diversity of wildlife, distinct from other regions in the country. Could you provide insights into how Odisha’s wildlife differs from that of other states, in your opinion? Additionally, how does the Odisha Forest Department strategize to conserve and manage this unique wildlife diversity effectively?
Dr. Tripathi: Odisha state has flourishing wildlife. The diverse topography of the state serve a natural abode for many distinctive varieties of wildlife and exhibits a high degree of endemism because of these distinct topographic features. The Eastern Ghats, the Central Uplands, the Chotanagpur plateau, the plains and coastal areas support many different ecosystems. The State has three National Parks and 18 Wildlife Sanctuaries harboring rich flora & fauna. Chilika, the largest brackish water lake of Asia, a Ramsar Wetland site, is home to thousands of unique birds along with magnificent Irrawaddy dolphins.
One of the most distinctive wildlife species of Odisha is Olive Ridley Turtles which nests on the Gahirmatha beach bordering Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, a World Heritage Site for being the nesting ground of almost half of the world population of Olive Ridley Turtles. Bhitarkanika is also home to almost 70% of country’s rare & endangered Salt water crocodiles. The Simlipal forests are home to world’ only natural population of melanistic ‘black tiger’, with beautiful dense and dark stripe pattern, a genetic variant of Royal Bengal Tiger.
The State has taken no of significant actions to support the cause of Forest & wildlife like implementation of JFM, introducing Ecotourism with involvement of local communities and huge investment in plantation and allied activities.In fact, the Forest cover has been consistently & largely increasing in Odisha since last two decades as per the ISFR.
Associate Editor: Could you share any initiatives or partnerships that the Odisha Forest Department is involved in to support the implementation of SDG targets related to land conservation, ecosystem restoration, or sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities?
Dr. Tripathi: Along with sustainable management of forests, implementation of Odisha Forestry Sector Development Society (OFSDS), supported by JICA, is an important intervention by the Odisha Forest Department to support the implementation of SDG targets related to land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities
The project implementation period is from 2017–18 to 2026-27. The aim of the project is to enhance the forest eco-systems and the livelihood of the forest dependent communities residing in project villages. The project cost is Rs. 1000.30 crores. The project is being implemented in 14 Forest Divisions, falling in 10 Revenue Districts of the State, through 1200 joint forest management committees (JFMCs) designated as Vana Surakhsya Samities (VSSs).
It is envisaged to cover 57,000 ha under plantations (51000 Ha under ANR and 6000 Ha under AR) under the OFSDP-II, which will lead 15% reduction in degraded forest area in the target VSS and enhancement of house hold income by 15% in the project area. Further Farm Forestry over 10,000 Ha lands is also envisaged covering famers. The project envisage to organise 3600 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for enhancing their income through different income generating activities with development of Micro Plan as a community development plan through strengthening of convergence. The Project also envisages enhanced support for cluster business development and partnership ecosystem through Livelihood Resource Centre, and gender mainstreaming.
The unique and core strength of this important initiative is creating of Models for Community-Based Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (CMRV) System for Sustainable Forest Management.
*IEM, Central Vigilance Commission, Govt. of India, Rtd. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, Odisha, and Chief Technical Advisor – Environment & Forest, India Water Foundation
