CAMPA: Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management

Introduction

1. CAMPA stands for Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
2. It was established under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.
3. The program ensures effective utilization of funds collected for compensatory afforestation, reforestation, and forest management.

Purpose

1. To compensate for the loss of forest area diverted for non-forest activities.
2. To promote afforestation and ecological restoration on degraded lands.
3. To strengthen forest conservation efforts and enhance biodiversity.

Key Features

1. Funds are collected from user agencies that divert forest land for development projects.
2. Establishment of National CAMPA and State CAMPAs for fund management.
3. Focus on activities like soil and moisture conservation, wildlife habitat protection, and afforestation.
4. Ensures accountability through annual plans and audits of fund usage.

Funding Mechanism

1. Funds are deposited in a dedicated non-lapsable reserve called the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF).
2. The fund is managed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the national level.
3. State-level CAMPAs utilize the funds for localized afforestation and conservation efforts.

Objectives

1. To achieve sustainable forest management.
2. To mitigate the impact of deforestation and forest degradation.
3. To enhance the livelihood opportunities of forest-dependent communities.
4. To strengthen measures for wildlife conservation.

Implementation

1. National CAMPA Advisory Council provides guidance and monitoring.
2. State CAMPAs are responsible for implementation and project execution.
3. Activities are conducted in consultation with local communities and stakeholders.
4. Focus on improving forest density and ecosystem services.

Achievements

1. Mobilization of substantial funds for afforestation and conservation.
2. Increased focus on biodiversity restoration and ecological balance.
3. Promotion of green cover and reduction in environmental degradation.
4. Strengthened capacity building and community participation.

Challenges

1. Delayed fund disbursement and project implementation.
2. Lack of sufficient monitoring and transparency in fund utilization.
3. Inadequate participation of local communities and stakeholders.
4. Challenges in ensuring ecological equivalence of afforestation to original forests.

Significance

1. Ensures compliance with the principle of "polluter pays."
2. Promotes sustainable development by balancing ecological and economic goals.
3. Supports India's commitment to global climate change mitigation efforts.
4. Contributes to achieving the targets under the National Forest Policy.

Future Scope

1. Strengthening mechanisms for accountability and monitoring.
2. Enhanced use of technology like GIS and remote sensing for planning.
3. Focus on capacity building and stakeholder engagement.
4. Integration of CAMPA objectives with climate resilience and adaptation strategies.

Conclusion

1. The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management is a vital initiative for sustainable forest and environmental management.
2. It plays a crucial role in balancing development and conservation needs.
3. Strengthening its implementation will ensure enhanced ecological and socio-economic benefits.