Indian Forest Service office of Madhya Pradesh cadre Kanchan Devi has been appointed as the director general of the Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE).

Kanchan is the first woman officer to hold this post of the premier council under the Union ministry of environment, forest, and climate change.

Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)

• Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), an apex body in the national forestry research system, has been undertaking holistic development of forestry research, education and extension covering all aspects of forestry. 

• The Council deals with solution based forestry research in tune with the emerging issues in the sector, including global concerns such as climate change, conservation of biological diversity, combating desertification and sustainable management and development of resources.

• It is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

• The Union environment minister is the president and the director general is the chief executive officer of ICFRE. 

• The general body is the supreme authority of the ICFRE. 

• The members consist of serving and retired officers from various state governments, educational institutes, NGOs and scientific organisations.

Objectives of ICFRE:

i) To undertake, aid, promote and coordinate forestry research, education and extension leading to scientific and sustainable management of forest resources in the country.

ii) To align forestry research programmes in the council with national priorities including achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change.

iii) To provide scientific advice and policy support to the central and state governments aiding informed decision making in forestry matters of national importance and international commitments.

iv) To act as a repository of scientific knowledge related to forestry, environment and climate change, and disseminate such knowledge to various stakeholders including forest dependent communities and also provide consultancy and capacity building services in environment and forest sector.

v) To provide technical assistance and support to states, forest-based industries, tree growers, farmers and others for forest protection, afforestation, agro-forestry and allied activities.

vi) To develop appropriate forest-based technologies, processes and products for sustainable resource use, livelihoods and economic growth.

vii) To promote forestry education in the country and facilitate universities in improving quality through technical and financial support including development of uniform curricula.

viii) To conduct other activities incidental and conducive to attainment of forestry related objectives, which the council may consider necessary.

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