Recent Advances in Techniques, Methods and Policy Frameworks to Combat Forest Degradation under Climate Change
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2026/v152i6A/171258Keywords:
Forest degradation, Climate change, Remote sensing, Climatesmart forestry, REDD+, Ecosystem restoration, Conservation genetics.Abstract
Degradation of forests, marked by a slow but continuous deterioration of forest structure, diversity, and ecosystem functioning, is now regarded as an important environmental concern in light of the ongoing climate change. Forest degradation differs from deforestation in that it occurs gradually but still makes major contributions to global carbon emissions and ecological disturbance. Innovations in monitoring methods, ecological restoration techniques, and policies are among the ways to tackle this problem. This paper presents current trends in the areas of remote sensing, LiDAR, artificial intelligence, genomic assessments, and adaptive management, like climate-smart forestry and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation, in the field of forest conservation. In addition, policies such as the REDD+ mechanism, national forest policy, and carbon financing are explored along with some illustrative examples from around the world and India. It is seen that although there have been significant advances in technology, which help with detection and predictive analytics in the field of forest management, the actual process of mitigation needs proper policy-making and active involvement of local communities as well as region-specific approaches.
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