As climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation intensify, the National Forestry Congress will bring India’s forestry community together to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge, field implementation and sustainable forest management.

A National Forum for Forest Futures

The Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Jharkhand, will host the National Forestry Congress (NFC-2026) from December 10–12 at the SKIPA Auditorium, Ranchi. The Congress brochure was launched online on October 16 by the state’s PCCF & HOFF, in the presence of senior Forest Department officials and representatives of IFP Ranchi.

The Congress will convene foresters, scientists, ecologists, policymakers, academicians and field practitioners to develop practical responses to India’s evolving forestry challenges.

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Twelve Themes, One Shared Purpose

Deliberations will span 12 themes, including forest genetics, silviculture, biodiversity conservation, agroforestry, ecological restoration, climate change, carbon forestry, GIS and remote sensing, watershed management, forest economics, community participation, wildlife management and outcomes of AICRPS. The emphasis is on translating research into strategies that strengthen forest regeneration, climate resilience and forest-dependent livelihoods.

The India State of Forest Report 2023 records 8,27,357 sq. km of forest and tree cover, representing 25.17% of India’s geographical area. This natural capital supports ecological security, biodiversity and millions of livelihoods.

Research Must Reach the Field

Jharkhand’s forests, covering nearly one-third of its geographical area, are integral to its ecological and cultural identity. Through scientific management, habitat restoration, fire prevention and community-centred conservation, the state seeks to align environmental protection with sustainable development. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), the national apex body for forestry research and education, is also central to advancing knowledge and technology in the sector.

On 16 October 2026, Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HOFF), Jharkhand, unveiled the official brochure and dedicated web portal for the National Forestry Congress (NFC-2026). The launch took place during a press conference at the Vivekananda Auditorium, Van Bhawan, Doranda, Ranchi. 

The three-day Congress will be held from 10 to 12 December 2026 at the SKIPA Auditorium, Morabadi, Ranchi. It is being organised by the Jharkhand Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, under the scientific guidance of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). Online registration opens on 17 October and is free of charge.

The National Forestry Congress 2026 timeline should clearly separate the preparatory milestones from the three-day Congress itself. The dates reported so far are as follows. 

Important clarification: The Congress was not held on 16 October. That date marks the launch of its brochure and web portal. The main event is scheduled for 10–12 December 2026, under the Jharkhand Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, with scientific guidance from ICFRE. 

The countdown to NFC-2026 began on 16 October 2026, with the launch of its official brochure and web portal by Jharkhand PCCF and Head of Forest Force Sanjeev Kumar. Online registration opened on 17 October, followed by key research submission milestones: abstracts by 20 November, acceptance notifications on 25 November and full papers by 30 November. The three-day National Forestry Congress will take place from 10 to 12 December 2026 at the SKIPA Auditorium in Morabadi, Ranchi.

The Larger Message: Knowledge Must Become Impact

Registration is free and open from October 17 to November 20 at https://appforest.jharkhand.gov.in/nfc. Abstracts are due November 20 and full papers by November 30.

The true measure of forestry research is not what is published, but what changes on the ground. NFC-2026 offers an opportunity to turn shared knowledge into stronger ecosystems, resilient communities and a lasting forest legacy for future generations.