Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC)

In News: The Kaziranga project is a part of a larger Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) for which the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has committed funding of €80.2 million for a 10-year period, between 2014-2024. The project conceptualised the reforestation of 33,500 hectares of land and the training of 10,000 community members in alternate livelihoods by 2024. Artificial highlands where animals can escape during floods; more than 200 anti-poaching camps; alternate livelihood training for local communities — these measures at the Kaziranga National Park in Assam will form the cornerstone of an Indo-French initiative announced earlier 2022.

What is APFBC?

The Assam government, with the support of AFD, launched the APFBC in 2012, to restore forest ecosystems, protect wildlife and enhance the livelihood of the forest-dependent communities. The Assam Project on Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Society (APFBC Society), was created by State Government of Assam as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. The Society has the mandate for planning, implementation, monitoring, coordination and management of all the activities proposed under the project.

APFBC Society envisages successful integration of sustainable forest management interventions with special emphasis on income generation and livelihood security of forest dependent communities. The overall goals of the Society are to restore forest ecosystems, in collaboration with the forest dependent communities, to enhance their livelihoods and ensure conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

What is Agence Fracaise de Developpement (AFD)?

The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group funds, supports and accelerates the transition to a fairer and more sustainable world. Focusing on climate, biodiversity, peace, education, urban development, health and governance, our teams carry out more than 4,000 projects in France’s overseas departments and territories and another 115 countries. In this way, we contribute to the commitment of France and French people to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About Kaziranga National Park

• Located in the State of Assam it is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
• It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds.
• Protection status:

1. It was declared a national park in 1974.
2. UNESCO declared it a world heritage site in 1985. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.
3. It became a Tiger Reserve in 2006. Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga are focused on the 'big four' species - Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
4. It is also recognized as an ‘Important Bird Area’ by BirdLife International for the conservation of avifaunal species.