The initiatives of AFD will significantly advance environmental objectives: Environment and Forestry Minister for Assam

 A Fench team headed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) India Country Director When Bruno Bosle visited the Minister of Environment and Forestry Chandramohan Patowary, they spoke about the progress of projects being implemented in Assam's effort to safeguard its biodiversity.

The AFD and the Government of Assam jointly fund the Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation, which paves the way for the preservation of the state's forests and biodiversity while enhancing the standard of living for the communities that depend on the forest. From 2012 until 2019, the project's initial phase was carried out. The second phase, which incorporates a holistic approach, was launched in 2019 with the goal of empowering communities that live in forests and preserving nature for a healthier ecosystem. 

Phase II has a total budget of 62.5 million euros (500 crore rupees), of which AFD is responsible for 80%, or 50 million euros (400 crore), and the State for 20%, or 12.5 million euros (100 crore rupees).

8,992 hectares of the project's 12,500 hectares of intended plantations have already been reached. The overall success rate was 71.88% of the goal. To identify the development needs of the communities who depend on the forest, a baseline survey involving 2,039 households, a market assessment study covering 65 JFMCs and EDCs, and a participatory rural appraisal have all been completed. In addition, a convergence strategy and a livelihood and market strategy have been devised to help the 265 communities come together and improve their standard of living. 

The AFD team also attended the ONFI (French Forest Service International) kick-off workshop conducted at Kaziranga on November 11, 2022, while it was in Assam. The delegation, in addition to visiting Kaziranga, also went to The Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park, and Nameri National Park to learn more about how Assam manages its habitat, floods, functional corridors, human-wildlife conflict, and anti-poaching measures, among other things. 

The French delegation reaffirmed their government's commitment to supporting the Assam government's efforts to safeguard the state's biodiversity and boost its green cover during the conference. The team also emphasised the need for quick project funding distribution in order to meet deadlines.

While expressing gratitude to the AFD delegation for its ongoing support and early release of money for the project, Forest Minister Patowary promised that the Forest Department would extend all possible assistance in order to meet the goals within the allotted timeframe. Additionally, he stated that actions would be made to ensure prompt payment of the monies received from AFD for the project during the winter session of the Assam Legislative Assembly in December. 

Informing the delegation of the State Government's goal to increase Assam's forest cover to 38% from its current 36%, Patowary said that the AFD and French Government's projects would go a long way in helping to achieve the goal. He urged the delegation to start more such projects in Assam for the protection of bio-diversity and ecology.