Press Release

Shimla, May 25, 2023: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) participated in the 12th edition of the Annual Workshop of JICA Assisted Forestry & National Resource Management Projects in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

The workshop was organised by the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, under their Project for Improvement of Himachal Pradesh Forest Ecosystem Management and Livelihoods (PIHPFEM&L) to foster partnerships and cooperation in sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, livelihood development, and digital transformation to contribute to climate change mitigation.

Esteemed dignitaries from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India; and senior officers from various states graced the occasion. Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA along with the forestry and NRM sector team also attended the event. The national workshop served as a platform to unite speakers of international and national repute, who engaged in insightful deliberations on significant subjects such as sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, digital transformation, and creation of livelihood opportunities.

The workshop fostered a spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing through a series of expert-led technical sessions. Additionally, the event provided opportunities for cultural exchanges, field excursions, and a special session on stress management, all of which highlighted the importance of sustainable forestry and preserving biodiversity.

Apart from that, Mr. SAITO also inaugurated the HIM Tradition outlet, which is a registered brand of the JICA-assisted project for the improvement of Himachal Pradesh forest ecosystems management and livelihoods where products like edibles, apparel, handicrafts developed by SHG's are being sold.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative, JICA India said, "For the last three decades, JICA's collaboration with the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change, Government of India and with various states across the country has been immensely fruitful. As we continue to grow in the forestry sector, more emphasis needs to be given to addressing climate change issues by promoting sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, livelihoods and digital transformation. I acknowledge the efforts of the Forestry Department and the Government of Himachal Pradesh to ensure that some of the project activities were kept going during the difficult times of the pandemic. I am pleased that the annual workshops are now resuming and look forward to the deliberations and recommendations that will be made during these workshops, and to the recommencement of work at a pace that is progressive and methodical."

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh said, "We thank JICA and Chief Representative SAITO Mitsunori for holding this annual workshop in Shimla. Himachal Pradesh is a store house of biotic diversity with around 8% of the country's flora found in diverse habitats ranging from sub-tropical to alpine zone, along with a variety of medicinal plants. At a time when the world has turned to forest conservation to battle climate change, JICA's investment in Forestry Projects paves a new path for the sustainable use of forest ecosystems. We are happy to see that JICA initiatives have resulted in skill development and employment generation for the local population as well. Together, we will strive to make Himachal Pradesh a ‘Green State', with the use of modern technology and improving the quality of natural resources."

The International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated each year on May 22, raises awareness about the significance of biodiversity conservation in resolving several sustainable development challenges.

JICA has been actively working towards sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and forest ecosystem services for over three decades. JICA's cumulative commitment to the Forestry & the National Resource Management (NRM) sector in India stands at JPY 313.80 billion, covering 31 ODA loan projects and 2 Technical Cooperation projects. Furthermore, JICA's recent Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change Response in West Bengal (WB-FBCCCR) aims to bolster forest management, encourage sustainable utilisation of resources, and uplift livelihoods in the state. Additionally, it addresses the detrimental effects of climate change by preserving biodiversity, increasing forest carbon stocks, and enhancing ecosystem resilience. By involving local communities and raising public awareness, JICA intends to create a more participatory and inclusive approach to forest management.

About JICA

Established by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as the sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency and works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, providing assistance in the form of loans, grants, and technical cooperation, to enable the emerging countries to strengthen their capabilities. 

• JICA India Office Web
• JICA India Brochure (PDF)
• JICA Facebook Page (external link)

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Shusaku Takada /Aishwarya Mishra
(+91)-11-49097000
Takada.Shusaku@jica.go.jp
Mishra-Aishwarya@jica.go.jp

Edelman India
Rakhi Aurora
(+91)-9599067185
Rakhi.Aurora@edelman.com