Advancing Responsible Forestry: NCCF and PEFC Host Consultation Webinar on Revised Forest Management Scheme

On 13th May 2025, a consultation webinar was organized by PEFC International and NCCF as part of the ongoing Second Revision Process of the PEFC-endorsed Forest Management Scheme in India. During this significant session, the NCCF presented the revised version of its Forest Management Scheme.

The webinar was hosted by key representatives from both PEFC and NCCF. Ms. Ambra from PEFC International joined the session, along with Mr. Avani Varma (Chairman, Forest Management Standard), Mr. A. M. Singh (Director General, NCCF), Ms. Abhilasha Guleria (Assistant Director, NCCF), Ms. Ritika (Program Officer, NCCF), and Ms. Ananya Sharma (Program Officer, NCCF). Their collective insights and leadership played a central role in presenting the progress and direction of the revised standard.

The presentation covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of NCCF’s work, the status and importance of forests in India, the relevance of PEFC-endorsed standards within the Indian context, the detailed standard-setting process followed by NCCF, and a comprehensive review of the revised Forest Management Scheme documents.

As part of the revision process, a public consultation window is now open until 12th July 2025 on the PEFC International website. All interested parties are encouraged to review the revised documents and provide feedback to support a transparent, inclusive, and effective standard development process.

This revision marks a pivotal step in aligning India’s forest certification systems with international best practices and national sustainability goals. By continuously improving its standards, NCCF reinforces its mission to promote responsible forestry, protect biodiversity, and support India’s broader climate and environmental commitments.