 In simple words we can say that it is the

conversion of forested areas to non-forested

ones occurring due to several human
activities like:

 Conversion of forests to agricultural land.

 Trees are used for several industrial

purposes,firewood,cattle ranching etc.

 Narrow utilization of resources.

 In the beginning of the 20th century forests
covered about 30%of the land of India. But
by the end of the century it shrunk to 19.4%.

 The National forest policy (1988) has

recommended 33% forest cover for the plains
and 67% for the hills.
 In North Eastern states deforestation mainly
occurs due to their methodology of agriculture
known as SLASH AND BURN commonly known as
JHUM AGRICULTURE where:
 Trees are cut and other plant remains are burnt.
 The ash obtained from this process is used as a
fertilizer and the land is then used for agriculture or
cattle grazing.
 After cultivation the area is left for several years for
its recovery.
 Increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the

atmosphere.

 Loss of biodiversity.

 Disturbs the hydrologic cycle.

 Causes soil erosion.

 May lead to desertification.

 Prevention of deforestation is important
for the stability of the environment and
all living things.
 This can be done by a process known as
REFORESTATION which is restoring the
forests which where depleted long ago.
 It may occur naturally or we can speed up
the process by planting more trees.
 Country (SQ MILES)
 Brazil 8,915
 Indonesia 5,065
 Sudan 3,702
 Zambia 3,286
 Mexico 2,436
 Dem. Rep. of Congo 2,054
 Myanmar 1,996
 Nigeria 1,537
 Zimbabwe 1,235
 Argentina 1,100
Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection
Award for individuals or communities of
rural areas that have shown extraordinary
Courage and dedication in protecting
wildlife.
 As many people in rural areas participated in the
protection of forests the government started a plan
called JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT(JFM) where –
 It interacts with the local communities and they work
for the protection of forests.
 In return for their services the communities receive
various forest products like fruits, gum, rubber,
medicine etc.

 THUS THE FOREST IS SAVED IN A SUSTAINABLE

MANNER.