On March 20, 2026, the Department of Forestry at Dolphin Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences (DIBNS), Dehradun, in collaboration with Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme– Resource Partner (EIACP-RP), Forest Research Institute, commemorated the International Day of Forests with a workshop on Ecopreneurship, aligned with this year’s theme, “Forests and Economies.” The workshop was thoughtfully structured into three engaging segments aimed at fostering awareness and practical understanding of forest-based economies.
Session I: Interactive Exploration of Forests and Economies The event commenced with an interactive session in which faculty and students collectively explored the theme “Forests and Economies.” Students Srishti Sharma and Tomo Riba provided insightful context on the origins and global significance of the International Day of Forests. They highlighted the multifaceted benefits of forests, emphasizing their ecological, economic, and cultural importance at both local and global levels. Adding a creative dimension to the session, Paras Pandey presented a thought-provoking poem addressing contemporary environmental challenges and climate change. Dr. Sandhya Goswami then outlined the agenda for the workshop, emphasizing the crucial role forests play in sustaining modern economies and livelihoods.
Session II: Expert Lecture on Forests in Conflict Zones The second session featured a compelling lecture by Prof. Sas Biswas titled “Forests Under War: Economies at Stake.” He provided an in-depth analysis of how geopolitical conflicts—particularly involving countries such as the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, and parts of the Middle East—affect forest ecosystems and natural resources. Prof. Biswas highlighted how economies dependent on forest resources are disrupted during conflicts, impacting millions of lives. His discussion on forest resource management in war- affected regions sparked keen interest among participants, followed by an engaging question- and-answer session.
Session III: Forest-Based Economy and Experiential Learning Activity The final session was conducted by Ms. Riya Jain from EIACP-RP, FRI. She delivered an informative presentation on forest-based economies, showcasing value-added products such as bamboo pen stands, ghee, candles, soaps, and diyas derived from the Diploknema butyracea (Cheura/Phulwara butter tree). These examples illustrated how sustainable utilization of forest resources can enhance local livelihoods and economic growth. To reinforce learning, a hands-on “Forest Economy Game/Activity” was organized in alignment with the DU2 (Dolphin Udhyam Udaan) initiative of DIBNS. Students were divided into groups, with one group tasked with marketing forest-based products by emphasizing their ecological and economic benefits. This interactive exercise provided practical insights into ecopreneurship and market dynamics.
Conclusion
The workshop proved to be highly informative, interactive, and engaging. Students from B.Sc. and M.Sc. Forestry programs, faculty members, and dignitaries from EIACP-RP, FRI actively participated in the event. The program successfully underscored the vital connection between forests and economies while inspiring students to explore sustainable and entrepreneurial approaches within the forestry sector.
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