National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board

The National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB), set up in August 1992,is responsible for promoting afforestation,tree planting, ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country. Special emphasis is given to the degraded forest areas and lands adjoining the forest areas, national parks, sanctuaries and other protected areas as well as the ecologically fragile areas like the Western Himalayas, Aravallis, Western Ghats, etc.

Functions of NAEB

Evolve mechanisms for ecological restoration of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands through systematic planning and implementation, in a cost effective manner;
Restore through natural regeneration or appropriate intervention the forest cover in the country for ecological security and to meet the fuelwood, fodder and other needs of the rural communities;
Restore fuelwood, fodder, timber and other forest produce on the degraded forest and adjoining lands in order to meet the demands for these items;
Sponsor research and extension of research findings to disseminate new and proper technologies for the regeneration and development of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands;
Create general awareness and help foster people's movement for promoting afforestation and eco-development with the assistance of voluntary agencies, non-government organisations, Panchayati Raj institutions and others and promote participatory and sustainable management of degraded forest areas and adjoining lands;
Coordinate and monitor the Action Plans for afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration and eco-development;and
Undertake all other measures necessary for promoting afforestation, tree planting, ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country.

Schemes and Programmes of NAEB

National Afforestation Programme (NAP) through Community Participation

It is the flagship scheme of NAEB, in so much as it provides support, both in physical and capacity building terms, to the Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) which in turn are the main organs to move forward institutionalization of Joint Forest Management. For more on this programme, click here

Eco Development Forces Scheme

Eco-Development Forces (EDF) Scheme was established in 1980s as a scheme being implemented through Ministry of Defence for ecological restoration of terrains, rendered difficult either due to severe degradation or remote location or difficult law and order situation. For more on this scheme, click here

Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra (IPVM) Awards

The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra (IPVM) Awards were instituted in 1986 to recognize the pioneering and innovative contribution made by individuals and institutions in the field of afforestation/wasteland development every year.

They are awarded to:

Individual - Forest Officers
Individual - Other than Forest Officers
Institutions/Organisations under Government
Joint Forest Management Committees ( six awards region-wise)
Non-profit making Voluntary Organisations (NGOs)
Corporate Sector (Private/Public Sector Agencies)
Eco-Clubs at School Level (covered under National Green Corps Programme of the Ministry of Environment and Forests)