National CAMPA Meeting in Coimbatore

Exam-Focused Notes on National CAMPA Meeting

Event Overview:

• Meeting: 7th meeting of the Governing Body of the National CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
• Chairperson: Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Location: Coimbatore, CASFOS.

Key Outcomes and Initiatives:

1. Wildlife and Forestry Projects:

   • Approval of four new wildlife and forestry conservation projects for the protection of:
     • River Dolphins
     • Snow Leopards
     • Wild Buffalo
     • Indian Rhinoceros

2. Financial Review:

   • Review of Net Present Value (NPV) and compensatory afforestation (CA) activities.
   • Examination of CAMPA funds for FY 2025-26: Received, approved, and transferred funds.

3. Digital Governance Initiatives:

   • Implementation of a Digital Annual Operational Plan (Digital APO) for FY 2026-27, facilitating online submission of annual operational plans by states and UTs.
   • Creation of an integrated dashboard for fund utilization and plantation performance.

4. Geospatial Monitoring System:

   • Establishment of a dedicated Geospatial Monitoring and Evaluation System (GIS Lab) for transparent monitoring of compensatory afforestation and ongoing CAMPA-funded schemes.

5. Green Resolution Portal:

   • Development of a Green Resolution Portal providing real-time monitoring and traceability for seed sources, nurseries, and planting materials.

6. Funding Allocations:

   • ₹88.40 crores released under the 'Mishti' initiative for mangrove plantation and restoration across six states/UTs.
   • Additional ₹500 crores approved for a three-year extension of the program (totaling ₹600 crores).
   • ₹571.50 crores allocated for the development of 652 urban forests/gardens.
   • ₹7.28 crores released under the Green Credit Scheme to promote green cover.

7. New Schemes Approved:

   • Faith Forest Conservation Scheme: A new initiative with an initial fund of ₹3,000 crores for the conservation and restoration of approximately 15,000 sacred groves from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
   • New plan to address landscape restoration, land degradation, and biodiversity loss to be supported by the National Fund.

8. Wildlife Conservation Plans:

   • Approval of various wildlife conservation projects, including:
     • River Dolphin Conservation and Recovery Plan.
     • Snow Leopard Project Phase-II (including population estimation).
     • Indian Rhinoceros Protection Plan.
     • Study on All-India Conservation Approach for Wild Buffalo.
     • Continued support for the conservation of the brow-antlered deer (Sangai) in Manipur.

Commitment to Ecosystem and Biodiversity:

• The Governing Body reaffirmed its commitment to forest conservation and restoration in India, employing innovative, technology-driven, and community-based approaches to enhance ecosystem security, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation.

Important Constitutional References:

• Relevant to environmental protection under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), particularly Article 48A (protection and improvement of environment) and Article 51A(g) (duty to protect and improve the natural environment).

Summary:

The meeting focused on enhancing India's forestry and wildlife conservation efforts through digital governance, substantial funding, and innovative projects aimed at restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity. The emphasis on community involvement and technology underscores a modern approach to environmental management in line with constitutional mandates.