The real call of duty for India’s foresters

Forests provide ecosystem services such as climate regulation, watershed preservation, and air quality maintenance that man-made systems cannot replicate.

The National Forest Policy 1988 recognizes forest lands as national assets to be safeguarded for the benefit of the entire community.

Foresters reject ecological substitution, noting that man-made forests cannot replicate the ecological value of old-growth forests.

Foresters adopt a precautionary approach due to non-linear ecological dynamics and near-impossible tipping threshold assessment.

Foresters undergo a rigorous two-year training program covering ecological science, forest governance, and conservation ethics, establishing a 'professional conscience' as described by Émile Durkheim.