SHIMLA: As big as 1.7 billion world population depends directly on forests. In Himalayan forests, invasion by exotics species needs an urgent check. "The way forests are depleting, we need to maintain balance between production and consumption for sustainable life on Earth", caution scientists.
The scientists made convergence on the issue of conservation of forests and maintaining balance between production and consumption to sustain life on this Planet on International Day on Forests here today.
Dr Savita (IFS), a forest scientist and former PCCF, Himachal Pradesh said importance of forests for life is immense as 1.7 billion of population directly depends on forests. There is a need for maintaining balance between production and consumption for sustainable life, she said.
This shows how important forests are for life on Earth. Dr Savita delivered her keynote talk on the topic, “Forest and Sustainable Production and Consumption” on 'International Day of Forests- 2022' organised at the Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI), Shimla here today. 
Dr Savita said the Green India Mission aims at combining adaptation and mitigation measures. Mission is contributing to restoring India's depleting forest cover and preparing the country to deal with the threat of climate change. “Every plant contributes to the conservation of water in some amount in its life, so it is the duty of all of us to contribute to the conservation of forests”, she said.
Director, HFRI, Dr SS Samant said the forests of the Himalayas provide ecological services to the people living in the Himalayas and the plains. But largescale invasion by the exotic species in natural forests is a big issue now, Dr Samant said, underscoring the need for stemming this invasion.
Dr Samant said contribution made by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and HFRI in forestry research, education and conservation of forests in this regard is remarkable.
Dr. Sandeep Sharma, scientist-G and group coordinator Research spoke about the importance of soil in sustainable production and consumption of forests. The role of "Zivaamrit" technique given by Subhash Palekar under his concept of natural farming in the rejuvenation of soil is significant. “This solution is like nectar for rejuvenation of the soil”, he observed.
Dr. Jagdish Singh, who heads, extension Division, HFRI welcomed keynote speaker and officers, scientists, staff, researchers and other participants, said that in the present context, 'International Day of Forests' assumed great importance underscoring the need for conservation and protection of forest for life in this Earth.
