Why is it in the news?

• The Ministry of Environment has launched the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme.

More about the news

• The scheme is designed to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices in India.
• It operates through voluntary third-party certification.
• The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council serve as a multistakeholder advisory body overseeing the scheme.
• The Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, is responsible for the overall management of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme.
• Offers market incentives to various entities, including state forest departments, individual farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and wood-based industries.
• Rewards entities practicing responsible forest management and agroforestry.
• The Scheme encompasses three types of certifications: Forest Management Certification; Tree Outside Forest Management Certification; and Chain of Custody Certification.
• Introduces a unique Trees Outside Forests Standard within the scheme.