JICA Forestry Workshop 2026: Certification & Wood Transformation Key to India’s Green Economy
Bhubaneswar, Feb 2026: The 14th National Workshop of JICA‑Assisted Forestry Projects concluded in Bhubaneswar, spotlighting India’s growing emphasis on sustainable forestry and green economy pathways.
Organized by the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project Phase‑II (OFSDP‑II) in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the event brought together forest officials, researchers, industry leaders, and community representatives.
Key discussions revolved around strengthening sustainable wood supply chains, expanding agroforestry, and scaling up forest certification systems to meet rising demand for responsibly sourced timber.
Experts highlighted frameworks such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and India’s PRAMAAN certification as crucial for connecting smallholder farmers and community‑managed forests with global and domestic markets.
The workshop also underscored technological innovations, including advanced genetic planting stock, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) processing, and digital public infrastructure for forestry management.
Strategic pillars for Indo‑Japanese cooperation were outlined: climate adaptation, wood transformation technologies, and digital transformation.
Odisha’s Principal Secretary of Forests, Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, praised the collaborative efforts, while JICA representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India’s forestry sector.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr K. Murugesan, emphasised the importance of integrating community participation with modern forestry practices.
