Forests, sustainability and poverty in India

摘要

In this note, we summarize results from studies that assess changes in forest wealth in India based on Gundimeda et al. (2005, 2006, 2007). Forest assets are important both from a wealth and asset portfolio perspective and for poor households who use forests. Sustainability analysis of forest stocks is required for both reasons.How do we better estimate changes in forest wealth in India? For physical data on forest stocks, we can continue to rely on the Forest Service of India, which uses increasingly sophisticated tools for its surveys and analyses. However, the real challenge is in estimating the accounting prices of forest products. We need more carefully done studies that estimate the value of different forest goods and services. We also need to establish feasible baselines for sustainability analysis. Such studies need to be consistently done at local and state levels before they can be aggregated and integrated into national accounts.