Year-end review 2025 highlights India’s forest conservation and climate leadership
New Delhi: The Union government said forest conservation 2025 defined India’s environmental agenda, with record afforestation, stronger wildlife protection and global leadership on climate action. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said the year combined large-scale ground action with regulatory reforms.
Under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, the government planted 262.4 crore saplings by December 24, 2025. The campaign followed a whole-of-government approach and digitally tracked plantations through the Meri LiFE portal. Officials said the initiative blended emotional, cultural and ecological values.
Forest conservation 2025 also reflected long-term gains in green cover. According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, forest and tree cover stood at 25.17% of India’s geographical area. Since 2013, the country recorded a cumulative increase of 4.83% in forest and tree cover.
Globally, India improved its standing. The FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 ranked India ninth in total forest area. India also retained third position worldwide in annual net forest gain.
The ministry approved Annual Plans of Operations worth ₹8,561.34 crore under National CAMPA for 32 States and Union Territories. In addition, the Aravalli Green Wall initiative restored about 36,025 hectares in 2025. A detailed action plan for the Aravalli landscape was unveiled in May.
Forest conservation 2025 anchored wildlife recovery and climate action
Wildlife protection expanded alongside forest conservation 2025. India increased tiger reserves to 58, covering nearly 85,000 sq km. Elephant reserves rose to 33, adding about 8,610 sq km of protected habitat. Protected Areas increased to 1,134, compared to 745 in 2014.
Project Cheetah entered an expansion phase during the year. Authorities introduced cheetahs into Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary. The total cheetah population reached 30, including 19 cubs born in India. Officials called the reproduction a major conservation milestone.
The government launched five national-level species conservation projects in 2025. It also released four national action plans and field guides for wildlife monitoring during Wildlife Week.
Wetland conservation gained momentum as well. India added 11 Ramsar Sites in 2025, raising the total to 96. These sites now cover about 1.36 million hectares. Indore and Udaipur became India’s first Ramsar-accredited Wetland Cities in January.
India strengthened its global role on climate and biodiversity. An India-led resolution on sustainable lifestyles for wetlands was adopted at Ramsar CoP-15. Another Indian resolution on managing wildfires gained approval at UNEA-7 in Nairobi.
On climate action, India achieved a 36% reduction in emission intensity of GDP from 2005 levels by 2020. Non-fossil fuel sources crossed 50% of installed power capacity by June 2025. The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme also became operational during the year.
Urban environmental outcomes improved alongside conservation efforts. Under the National Clean Air Programme, 103 cities recorded lower PM10 levels in 2024–25 compared to 2017–18. Meanwhile, the government sanctioned 75 projects under the Nagar Van Yojana in 2025.
The ministry said forest conservation 2025 combined ecological expansion with governance reforms. New environmental audit rules, contaminated site regulations and uniform consent guidelines were notified. India also played a leading role at COP-30, Ramsar CoP-15 and UNEA-7, reinforcing its global climate leadership.
