Context: National CAMPA Governing Body Meeting
The 7th Governing Body Meeting of National CAMPA focused on forest restoration, compensatory afforestation, wildlife conservation and digital monitoring of CAMPA funds and projects.
CAMPA
Full Form
- Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority
Legal Basis
- Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016
Ministry
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Objective
To manage funds collected when forest land is diverted for non-forest purposes.
These funds are used for:
- Compensatory afforestation
- Forest restoration
- Wildlife conservation
- Soil and moisture conservation
- Ecosystem services improvement
Digital Governance Initiatives
1. e-Green Watch / Digital Monitoring
Used for tracking afforestation and forest conservation activities.
2. e-Sakshya / Evidence-Based Monitoring
Supports verification and transparency in project implementation.
3. Hariyali / CAMPA-linked Portals
Support real-time monitoring, data dashboards and fund utilisation tracking.
Major Schemes / Projects Highlighted
MISHTI
Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes
Focuses on mangrove restoration and coastal ecosystem conservation.
Nagar Van Yojana
Promotes urban forests and green spaces.
Green Credit Scheme
Encourages plantation and environment-positive actions.
Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Projects
Approved projects include conservation support for:
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Snow Leopard
- Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
- Wild Water Buffalo
- Hangul / Kashmir Stag
Significance
- Promotes ecological restoration.
- Improves accountability in forest fund use.
- Supports endangered species recovery.
- Strengthens forest and biodiversity governance.
- Uses technology for transparency and monitoring.
- Links compensatory afforestation with larger ecosystem restoration.
Key Takeaway
CAMPA is not only about planting trees. It is also about restoring ecosystems, conserving wildlife and ensuring that forest diversion is compensated through accountable and measurable ecological action.
