Year-End Review 2025: A Year Dedicated to Forest Conservation, Wildlife Protection and Global Leadership in Addressing Climate Change

Year-End Review 2025 underscores India's unwavering dedication to forest conservation, wildlife protection, and its emerging role in global climate change leadership. This matters for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Papers 2 and 3, as it covers critical environmental policies and international relations. Last Updated: 2026-01-05

Key Facts About Year-End Review 2025

• Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: A campaign launched to promote forest conservation.
• India ranks 9th globally in forest area and 3rd in annual net forest gain.
• Expansion of Project Cheetah with the introduction of new cheetahs from Botswana.
• Leadership in the International Big Cat Alliance to protect big cats worldwide.
• Five National Level Projects initiated for wildlife conservation.
• The 7th NBWL Meeting was held to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Active participation in CBD COP-16 to advocate for global biodiversity.
• Operationalization of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme to reduce emissions.
• Guidelines issued for the National Clean Air Programme to improve urban air quality.
• Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility for waste management.
• Momentum gained in mangrove restoration projects.
• Leadership role at COP-30 and other international environmental forums.
• Initiation of a revised Green Credit Programme framework.
• Establishment of a framework for contaminated site remediation.
• Major reforms introduced in the environmental clearance process.

India's Leadership in Global Climate Change Initiatives

India's commitment to forest conservation and wildlife protection is a significant stride towards achieving its environmental and strategic goals. With a focus on increasing forest cover and biodiversity, India aims to enhance its ecological footprint. The country’s leadership in international forums like COP-30 highlights its role in global climate change mitigation. As of 2025, India ranks among the top ten nations in forest area, showcasing its dedication to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Encourages tree planting for forest conservation.
• Project Cheetah: Aims to reintroduce cheetahs into Indian wildlife.
• National Clean Air Programme: Sets guidelines to improve air quality.
• Carbon Credit Trading Scheme: Facilitates carbon emission reduction.
• Green Credit Programme: Incentivizes environmental conservation efforts.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 2: International relations and environmental policies.
• GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation.
• Prelims: Facts about forest area rankings, Project Cheetah, and international environmental forums.
• Mains: Analytical themes on India's role in global environmental leadership and biodiversity conservation.
• Essay Paper: Topics on sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

FAQ Section

• What is the Year-End Review 2025? The Year-End Review 2025 highlights India's initiatives in forest conservation, wildlife protection, and climate change leadership, showcasing significant environmental achievements.
• Why is the Year-End Review 2025 important? It reflects India's commitment to ecological sustainability and positions the country as a global leader in addressing climate change, crucial for environmental and strategic goals.
• What are the key features of the Year-End Review 2025? Key features include the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, Project Cheetah expansion, leadership in the International Big Cat Alliance, and participation in COP-30.