Forest Management and Biodiversity Conservation: Historical Evolution, Sustainable Practices, and Future Trends to Increase Agri-Tourism in India

Abstract

India, recognised as one of the world's 17 mega-biodiverse countries, harbours exceptional biodiversity across four global hotspots: the Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats – Sri Lanka, and Sundarbans. Its timbers cover roughly 21.76 of the geographical area (715,343 km² as per the India State of Forest Report 2023), supporting around 12 of global foliage (47,000 plant species) and 7 – 8 of fauna (91,000 beast species). These ecosystems give essential services such as carbon sequestration, water regulation, and livelihoods for over 300 million people. Still, pitfalls from urbanisation, agrarian expansion, and climate change necessitate robust sustainable timber operation (SFM). This review traces the literal elaboration of timber operation from social exploitation to contemporary community-driven approaches, assesses biodiversity status, evaluates crucial practices like Joint Forest Management and defended areas networks, identifies challenges including niche declination and mortal-wildlife conflicts, and highlights 2025 inventions similar to AI aviators and biodiversity credits. Exploration gaps, including the overemphasis on flagship species and the lack of public AI programs for monitoring, are bandied about. The paper proposes strategies to achieve the" 30x30" global target and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasising integrated traditional knowledge and technology for flexible timber ecosystems.