FSI has gone further and has carried out a quantitative review2 of sustainability of forest resources in India using group convergence method (see foot note 2) that led to a sustainability score of 55.8 for forest resources in India indicating a satisfactory state. A value of 50 or below would have meant that the status of sustainability was a cause for concern. Following table present scores by each Criterion or Thematic Area that indicates three thematic areas (Forest health and Vitality, Social Function and Economic Function) need more attention from policy planners to ensure long term sustainability of forest resources in India.
Criteria |
Relative Weight |
Score |
Weighted Score | |
1(a) |
Extent of forest |
14.9 |
69.2 |
10.3 |
1(b) |
Contribution to Carbon |
10.1 |
61.0 |
6.2 |
2 |
Forest Health & Vitality |
13.3 |
48.0 |
6.4 |
3 |
Biodiversity Function |
12.7 |
58.3 |
7.4 |
4 |
Production Function |
12.3 |
52.0 |
6.4 |
5 |
Protection Function |
12.6 |
59.7 |
7.5 |
6(a) |
Social Function |
11.9 |
47.1 |
5.6 |
6(b) |
Economic Function |
12.1 |
49.3 |
6.0 |
Total |
100.0 |
55.8 | ||
2 For details see Pilot Study to review Sustainability of Forest Resources – India (FRA, FAO) – implemented by Forest Survey of India.
