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Neerigagi Aranya Initiative (Forests for Water Initiative): Join the 50 Million Tree Initiative

Neerigagi Aranya Initiative (Forests for Water Initiative): Join the 50 Million Tree Initiative

Pledge by

Karnataka Forest Department

Karnataka is embarking on an ambitious journey to enhance its green cover and combat climate change and sustaining access to clean water and air, through the Neerigagi Aranya Initiative (Forests for Water Initiative). This program aims to plant and nurture 50 million trees across the state, promoting biodiversity, improving air and water quality, as well as the wellbeing of local communities.

Type
Conserving, Restoring & Growing, Enabling
This pledge will take place from
2025-2026 to 2031-2032

Pledge overview

Overview of the Department: The Karnataka Forest Department has the primary mandate of protecting the forests and wildlife, conserving the rich biodiversity of the state and ensuring that the ecological balance of the forest eco-systems is maintained. The Department is headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Head of Forest Force (HOFF). The total recorded forest area of the State is 43,382 sq. km. The work carried out by the Department can be broadly classified into the following categories: regulatory, protection, conservation and sustainable management. The Department is also engaged on a large scale in promoting agroforestry through incentivization to support farmer’s income.

The Neerigagi Aranya Initiative is a visionary plan focused on restoring and enhancing the ecological balance between forests and water resources. The name "Neerigagi Aranya" translates to "Forests for Water," signifying the crucial role forests play in maintaining the water cycle, promoting sustainable water management, and improving the overall environmental health of a region.

The initiative plans to involve environmental agencies, governmental bodies, and community organizations working together to address the ongoing challenge of water scarcity and environmental degradation through reforestation and watershed management.

Key activities include:

1. Reforestation Efforts:
- Growing native trees in water-stressed regions to strengthen watersheds, improve groundwater recharge, and reduce soil erosion.
- Focusing on tree species that are vital to local ecosystems and water conservation, with emphasis on species that support the water cycle and functionality of local ecosystems..
2. Watershed Protection:
- Creating buffer zones around critical water bodies like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, where tree plantations can filter water and improve its quality.
- Restoring degraded watersheds to help with better water infiltration and reduce flooding risks during the rainy season.
3. Community Engagement and Education:
- Mobilising local communities to actively participate in tree planting and forest management.
- Offering training and resources on sustainable forestry practices, agroforestry, and water conservation methods.
4. Monitoring and Research:
- Implementing a comprehensive monitoring system to track the growth and health of newly planted forests.
- Collaborating with researchers and scientists to assess the impact of the initiative on water resources, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
5. Sustaining Clean Water Access:
The restoration of watersheds through afforestation and reforestation under the Neerigagi Aranya Initiative plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of rivers, lakes, and groundwater resources. Healthy forests act as natural filters, improving water quality by reducing sedimentation and pollution in nearby water bodies.
6. Enhancing Air Quality:
The initiative will significantly contribute to improving air quality by planting a variety of tree species that absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This reduction in carbon emissions will help combat urban air pollution, benefiting both rural and urban populations.
7. Promotion of Local Livelihoods:
The involvement of local communities in the planting, maintenance, and protection of trees offers significant socio-economic co-benefits. The program generates employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, and fosters the development of green jobs, such as in nurseries, forest management, and eco-tourism.
8. Empowerment Through Community Participation:
By engaging local communities, farmers, and tribal groups in tree planting and forest management, the initiative encourages environmental stewardship and strengthens community resilience. This participatory approach helps communities develop a sense of ownership over local natural resources, ensuring long-term sustainability of the program.
9. Restoration of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:
The trees planted through this initiative will provide critical ecosystem services, including pollination, soil fertility, and habitat for wildlife. The program supports biodiversity conservation, ensuring the protection of both flora and fauna, which in turn enhances the health of local ecosystems.

By integrating forest restoration with water conservation, the Neerigagi Aranya Initiative is set to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change, water scarcity, and environmental degradation, while improving the quality of life for millions of people.

The pledge aims to plant approximately around 50 million trees over a period of next 5 years starting from 2025-2026 to 2031-2032.

Actions in this pledge

  • Conserving trees and forest landscapes

    Supporting actions
    Permanent conservation
    Secure a forest through acquisition or legal agreement to avoid planned or unplanned deforestation or degradation, and/or ensure permanent conservation of land
    Other conservation activities
    1. Boundary Consolidation; 2. Grassland Management; 3. Fireline creation and Maintenance; 4. Protection Measures; 5. Wildlife Management; 6. Protection and Augmentation of Rare and Endangered Species
    Additional details

    The existing structure of Karnataka Forest Department can be found here.

    The mechanisms to monitor and report on the progress of conservation activities involve a detailed measurement and evaluation to ensure that the work conforms to the specifications, quantities, and quality mentioned in the approved plans and estimates.

    The Check Measurement typically follows these steps:
    1. Initial Work Execution: The work is carried out by the designated staff, often under the supervision of a Dy. RFO (Deputy Range Forest Officer) or other appropriate field officer.
    2. Measurement and Documentation: After the work is completed, the actual measurements of the work are taken, and a record is created. This includes dimensions, quantities, and any other relevant details. The Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) is usually responsible for submitting the initial Check Measurement report.
    3. Verification by Senior Officials: The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) review the measurements, ensuring that they match the approved estimates and that the work adheres to the required standards.
    4. Approval: Once all the details are verified, the Check Measurement is forwarded to the Head of the Department (HOD) for final approval.

    Conserving

    Land area
    Approximately 120,000 square kilometers as per GIS

  • Restoring and growing trees and forest landscapes

    Supporting actions
    Assisted natural regeneration
    Actions that support natural regeneration without tree planting, such as Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration, forest soil remediation, exotic species control, disease prevention, and wildfire protection
    Reforestation
    Re-establishment of forest through planting and/or deliberate seeding on land classified as forest, that has been degraded or where trees are unlikely to regenerate naturally
    Agroforestry
    Activities that establish and manage the integration of trees into agricultural landscapes, silvopastoral systems, farming in forests and along forest margins and tree-crop production
    Mangrove restoration
    Establishment or enhancement of mangroves along coastal areas and in estuaries
    Watershed protection and erosion control
    Establishment and enhancement of forests on very steep sloping land, along water courses, in areas that naturally flood and around critical water bodies
    Urban tree planting
    Planting and maintaining trees within urban areas
    Additional details

    Key Milestones and Timeline:

    Year 1:
    Complete site assessments and finalize the planting strategy.
    Engage 100 communities and begin 5,000 hectares of restoration.
    Establish partnerships and secure initial funding.
    Year 2:
    Plant 10 million trees and complete 5 pilot projects.
    Set up monitoring systems for water quality and tree survival rates.
    Year 3:
    Expand efforts to plant 15 million trees, reaching 25 million total.
    Establish 50 nurseries and engage 500+ stakeholders.
    Year 4:
    Continue planting and complete 45 million trees.
    Assess the impact on biodiversity and water systems.
    Year 5:
    Finalize planting and reach the 50 million tree goal.
    Produce impact reports and advocate for long-term policy integration.

    Through a strategic, community-focused, and scientifically-driven approach, the Neerigagi Aranya Initiative aims to restore ecosystems, improve water resources, and create lasting environmental and social benefits over the next 5 years.

    The mechanisms to monitor and report on the progress of conservation activities involve a detailed measurement and evaluation to ensure that the work conforms to the specifications, quantities, and quality mentioned in the approved plans and estimates.

    The Check Measurement typically follows these steps:
    1. Initial Work Execution: The work is carried out by the designated staff, often under the supervision of a Dy. RFO (Deputy Range Forest Officer) or other appropriate field officer.
    2. Measurement and Documentation: After the work is completed, the actual measurements of the work are taken, and a record is created. This includes dimensions, quantities, and any other relevant details. The Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) is usually responsible for submitting the initial Check Measurement report.
    3. Verification by Senior Officials: The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) review the measurements, ensuring that they match the approved estimates and that the work adheres to the required standards.
    4. Approval: Once all the details are verified, the Check Measurement is forwarded to the Head of the Department (HOD) for final approval.

    Restoring & Growing

    Trees
    50 million

  • Enabling activities for trees and forest landscapes

    Supporting actions
    Nursery and seedling development
    Establish tree nurseries, including actions such as identification and collection of seeds and/or growing seedlings
    Sustainable forest management
    Activities that support the stewardship and use of forests (including by local communities and indigenous peoples), to maintain their biological diversity, productivity, and regeneration capacity, as well as their potential to fulfil relevant ecological economic and social functions
    Market development for sustainable forest products
    Activities that create markets and demand for ecologically and socially responsible timber and non-timber forest and agroforestry products, e.g. capacity-building for the harvesting and processing of agroforestry products, forest certification standards, etc.
    Education and capacity building
    Forest / tree species conservation and restoration education programmes, targeted educational and behaviour change campaigns, training and capacity building, including promotion of local and traditional knowledge and practices
    Community mobilisation
    Community mobilisation and engagement activities for conservation, restoration and reforestation, including enabling systems of community governance, etc.
    Data collection, management and technological tools
    Activities that provide data and/or technological tools to support conservation and restoration (e.g. monitoring etc.)
    Additional details

    Implementation Strategy

    Year 1: Foundation and Preparation
    (1) Site Selection & Planning
    - Conduct extensive site assessments to identify priority areas for reforestation and restoration.
    - Select watersheds, degraded forest areas, riparian zones, and high-erosion landscapes.
    - Identify regions most vulnerable to water stress and those with critical ecosystems (e.g., water bodies, wetlands).
    - Collaborate with local authorities, NGOs, and scientific institutions to finalize locations.
    (2) Community Engagement & Mobilization
    - Launch a community outreach program to build awareness about the initiative and engage local stakeholders.
    - Form community forestry groups, cooperatives, and volunteer networks for tree planting and forest management.
    - Provide training on sustainable land management, agroforestry, and water conservation techniques.
    (3) Partnership Development
    - Forge partnerships with government agencies, environmental organizations, private corporations, and international bodies to secure funding and technical expertise.
    - Seek support from corporate sponsors through CSR programs to fund tree planting efforts and restore ecosystems.
    Milestone for Year 1:
    - Complete site assessments and finalize the 5-year action plan.
    - Secure partnerships and funding for initial restoration activities.
    - Engage 100 local communities and establish 5,000 hectares for reforestation.

    Year 2: Initial Planting & Pilot Projects
    (1) Tree Planting and Restoration:
    - Begin large-scale tree planting in identified regions.
    - Focus on native species that are well-suited for watershed health and water conservation (e.g., species with high water retention, erosion control, and biodiversity value).
    - Start small-scale pilot restoration projects to test different planting techniques and soil amendments.
    (2) Watershed Management & Erosion Control
    - Implement erosion control measures such as check dams, terracing, and vegetative cover along riverbanks and hillsides.
    - Focus on water-stressed areas by planting trees that support groundwater recharge and water filtration.
    (3) Monitoring & Evaluation
    - Launch a monitoring system using GIS technology and remote sensing to track tree growth, water quality, and biodiversity health.
    - Initiate a data collection framework to monitor the impact of planting on local water resources and biodiversity.
    Milestone for Year 2:
    - Plant 10 million trees in the first major wave of restoration.
    - Complete the first 5 pilot restoration projects focused on high-priority watersheds.
    - Establish baseline data on water quality and biodiversity in the target regions.

    Year 3: Expansion & Scaling Up
    (1) Scale Up Tree Planting:
    - Expand planting efforts to include more communities, targeting an additional 15 million trees for restoration.
    - Expand the use of agroforestry models, integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to create buffers around water bodies and increase biodiversity.
    (2) Enhance Community Engagement
    - Establish tree nurseries in local communities to supply seedlings for continued restoration and support local livelihoods.
    - Host workshops on sustainable water management, soil conservation, and ecological restoration to promote community ownership.
    (4) Integration of Technology for Monitoring
    - Utilise drones, satellite imagery, and AI-based models for continuous monitoring of restoration progress, tree survival rates, and watershed health.
    - Introduce mobile apps and community reporting tools to enable local communities to report on tree growth and environmental changes.
    Milestone for Year 3:
    - Plant an additional 15 million trees in priority areas, bringing the total to 25 million.
    - Initiate the first round of long-term biodiversity surveys to measure ecological improvements.
    - Establish 50 community-managed nurseries and engage 500+ local stakeholders in forest management.

    Year 4: Restoration Consolidation & Sustained Monitoring
    (1) Sustained Planting and Maintenance:
    - Continue planting efforts, aiming to complete the planting of the remaining 15 million trees, bringing the total planted trees to 45 million.
    - Focus on maintaining and nurturing the young saplings from earlier years, including watering, fertilization, and pest management.
    (2) Long-Term Watershed Protection
    - Strengthen watershed protection measures, including reforestation along critical catchment areas and buffer zones for rivers and lakes.
    - Implement more water conservation technologies, such as rainwater harvesting systems and check dams, to capture and store rainwater for local use.
    (3) Ongoing Monitoring & Adaptive Management:
    - Assess the progress of water quality and ecological health through field-based assessments, water sampling, and biodiversity monitoring.
    - Refine strategies for water conservation and tree survival based on real-time data.
    Milestone for Year 4:
    - Achieve 45 million trees planted (completing 90% of the 50 million goal).
    - Achieve substantial ecological recovery in key regions, including marked improvement in water retention, soil health, and biodiversity.
    - Establish 500+ hectares of community-managed conservation areas.

    Year 5: Finalization, Impact Evaluation, and Legacy Building
    (1) Completion of Planting & Restoration
    - Complete the final planting of the remaining 5 million trees to reach the full target of 50 million trees.
    - Ensure the survival and health of all planted areas through continued maintenance and community-based care.
    (2) Impact Assessment & Evaluation:
    - Conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the entire initiative's impact on water resources, soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
    - Measure the success of watershed restoration and water quality improvements, focusing on reduced water scarcity and improved local water availability.
    (3) Community and Policy Advocacy:
    - Finalize the legacy framework for community-based forest management, ensuring that the restoration efforts are sustainable beyond the 5-year mark.
    - Work with policy makers to integrate the lessons learned into national environmental policies and water management strategies.
    Milestone for Year 5:
    - Achieve 50 million trees planted and establish long-term sustainability plans for restored areas.
    - Produce an impact report detailing the social, environmental, and economic benefits of the restoration efforts.

    Enabling

Carbon benefits

6.82 tons/ha 2 years

Our ecologically and socially responsible approach

Existing guidelines of the Government of Karnataka will be strictly adhered to.

The Karnataka Forest Department is committed to ensuring that all pledged activities are implemented in an ecologically sustainable and socially responsible manner. Our approach will integrate the following key elements to meet these conditions:

1. Ecological Responsibility:

- Biodiversity Conservation: We will prioritize the protection and enhancement of biodiversity through well-managed forest ecosystems, including the preservation of native species, habitats, and ecosystems in all forest-based activities.
- Sustainable Resource Use: The department will adopt sustainable practices in resource extraction, such as controlled timber harvesting, non-timber forest product management, and eco-friendly initiatives to prevent over-exploitation and degradation of forest resources.
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Pledging to increase the forest cover, we will implement large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs, especially in degraded areas, to improve carbon sequestration and promote soil conservation.

2. Social Responsibility:

- Community Engagement: We will involve local communities, particularly indigenous and tribal groups, in forest management decisions. This includes incorporating their traditional knowledge and practices in conservation efforts, ensuring they benefit from sustainable forest resources.
- Livelihood Support: The department will create opportunities for local communities through livelihood programs, such as non-timber forest product collection, eco-tourism, and forest-based enterprises, ensuring the socioeconomic well-being of forest-dependent communities.
- Educational Outreach and Awareness: We will conduct awareness programs for the public, particularly the youth, about the importance of forest conservation and the need to maintain a balance between development and ecological preservation.

By integrating these practices, the Karnataka Forest Department ensures that its activities will be ecologically responsible and socially inclusive, contributing to the long-term health of both the environment and the communities that depend on it.

Our results tracking

Methods to Track and Estimate Ecological Impacts:

Method 1. Remote Sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems):
- Satellite Imagery: Use high-resolution satellite images to monitor changes in forest cover, detect deforestation, and track reforestation and afforestation efforts over time.
- GIS Mapping: GIS will help analyse spatial data on forest health, biodiversity hotspots, and land use patterns. It will also aid in assessing changes in ecosystem services such as water flow and soil erosion.
- Time Series Analysis: Comparing remote sensing data over time allows us to monitor the progress of forest cover restoration and identify any negative trends that require intervention.
Method 2. Field Surveys and Data Collection:
- Biodiversity Monitoring: Regular field surveys will be conducted to track species richness, abundance, and the presence of key species. This will involve both wildlife and vegetation monitoring, including setting up camera traps, conducting bird counts, and conducting botanical surveys.
- Vegetation Health Assessment: Field teams will assess forest structure, regeneration rates, and vegetation density using plot-based sampling methods. These surveys will help gauge the success of afforestation/reforestation efforts.
- Soil and Water Quality Sampling: We will monitor soil erosion rates, soil fertility, and water quality by collecting soil and water samples at specific sites. These data will be compared to baseline levels to assess the ecological impact of forest management practices.
Method 3. Carbon Sequestration Measurement:
- As per the National Working Plan Code -2023, it is mandatory to estimate the Carbon stock of the forests over a period of time to assess the carbon sequestration potential of the forests thereby, the mitigation potential of the forests against climate change
Method 4. Data Management and Reporting:
- Data Collection Tools: We will use a mix of digital platforms (mobile apps, GIS tools) and traditional paper-based methods for data collection and management. All data will be stored in a centralized database for regular analysis and reporting.
- Periodic Reports: Regular reports will be compiled, including yearly or biannual reviews, to assess the ecological and social impacts of the activities. These reports will be shared with stakeholders, including local communities and government.

Ecological metrics

To effectively monitor the ecological and social impacts of our forest conservation and restoration activities, we plan to integrate and track the following metrics. These metrics will help us assess the outcomes of our pledge and ensure that we are making meaningful progress toward sustainability and equity.

Biodiversity Indicators:
• Species Richness: The number and diversity of species present in the restored or conserved forests, with a particular focus on endemic, endangered, and threatened species.
• Habitat Quality: The condition of habitats for key species, including forest structure, vegetation types, and the availability of resources such as water and food sources.
• Forest Cover: The area of forested land, including the success of afforestation and reforestation efforts, measured through remote sensing and field surveys.
• Soil Erosion Rates: The rate of soil loss in areas undergoing deforestation or degradation, and the improvement of soil stability due to restoration activities.
• Soil Fertility: Monitoring soil composition, nutrient levels, and organic content, especially in reforestation sites.
• Carbon Sequestration: Measuring the amount of carbon stored in forest biomass and soil as part of carbon offset and climate mitigation efforts.

Social metrics

1. Improved Livelihoods:
• Access to Resources: The improvement in access to forest resources such as fuelwood, water, medicinal plants, and food, which enhance the livelihoods of local communities.
• Livelihood Security: The stability of livelihoods and income sources for forest-dependent communities, ensuring resilience against environmental changes or external economic pressures.
• Self-sufficiency: Measuring how much the forest management initiatives help reduce dependency on external aid and increase self-sufficiency among local communities.

2. Education and Awareness:
• Educational Opportunities: The provision of educational resources and training programs for local communities on sustainable forest management, conservation techniques, and alternative livelihoods.
• Environmental Awareness: The level of awareness among local communities regarding the importance of forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and climate change adaptation.
• Community Engagement: The extent to which local communities are actively engaged in environmental education and awareness campaigns, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for forest resources.

3. Cultural and Traditional Knowledge:
• Preservation of Cultural Practices: The preservation and integration of traditional knowledge and cultural practices in forest management, such as indigenous resource management systems, herbal medicine, and sustainable farming techniques.
• Cultural Heritage: Ensuring the protection and promotion of culturally significant sites and practices linked to forests, ensuring that forest conservation does not disrupt local cultural values and heritage.

Our system of accreditation

Evaluation Wing of the Karnataka Forest Department, headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (EWPRTCC) (Department flow chart here).

Our partners

The pledge is open for engaging with different kind of partners like, private sector, philanthropies, expert think-tanks/bodies, etc. The partners may be providing, finances, expertise, tech, knowledge, support on community engagement or supporting in policy draft/formulation etc.

Previously, we have developed partnerships with various stakeholders to support the implementation of forest conservation and restoration activities, with a particular focus on Village Forest Committees (VFCs). These committees play a crucial role in the collaborative management of forest resources and are integral to our strategy for sustainable forest management.

Village Forest Committees (VFCs):
- VFCs are local community-based organizations formed under the Joint Forest Management (JFM) framework, aimed at involving local communities in the protection and sustainable management of forests. These committees are established with the participation of local villagers, who are often dependent on the forest for their livelihoods.
- VFCs work in close collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department to implement various forest conservation and restoration activities, such as afforestation, reforestation, forest protection, and sustainable resource management.
- The VFCs ensure that local communities are actively engaged in forest protection, monitoring, and decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward forest conservation.

Our locations

We are working at locations across Karnataka including rural, urban and tribal areas.

Specific Locations to be defined. However, the forest/ecosystems types predominant in this state falls as under:
West Coast tropical evergreen forest, West Coast semi-evergreen forest, West Coast secondary evergreen Dipterocarp Forest, Southern moist mixed deciduous forest, Dry teak forest, Southern dry mixed deciduous forest, Dry deciduous scrub, Southern thorn forest, Southern thorn scrub.

Selection criteria:
- Identifying high-priority areas based on water stress, erosion risks, and deforestation rates.
- Ensuring that the tree planting efforts are targeted in locations that will maximize the benefits to the local hydrological systems. Afforestation on forest areas will be taken up on priority. Then open and vacant government lands, road side and canal side areas suitable for plantations and also agroforestry systems will be promoted in agricultural farmer’s lands.