The country’s minister of state for environment and forests Namo Narain Meena announced the projects during the inauguration of a multi-stakeholders’ national workshop for further strengthening of sustainable forest management.

Mr Meena described India’s forests as one of the most important resources in the country. He said it was essential to preserve and manage the forests on a sustainable basis.

The minister’s announcement also came during a visit of the International Tropical Timber Organisation‘s (ITTO) diagnostic/technical mission to India.

ITTO has approved financial support to strengthen India’s forestry database.