CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -In West Bengal, the Forest Department has conducted water birds census for the first time. The study was conducted from 12th of January to 2nd of February in 54 different locations across the state.

Detailed explanation-2: -What is the Asian Waterbird Census? About: It is a citizen-science programme supporting conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide. AWC is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC) coordinated by Wetlands International.

Detailed explanation-3: -The IWC is a monitoring programme operating in 143 countries to collect information on the numbers of waterbirds at wetland sites. There are 5 separate regional schemes of the IWC that represent the major flyways of the world: Africa-Eurasia (AEWC) Asia-Pacific (AWC)

Detailed explanation-4: -However, as the digitized boundary of recorded forest area from the State covers 13, 625 sq km, the analysis of forest cover within and outside this area is depicted below. Forest cover within RFA Forest cover outside RFA cover within and outside RFA.

Detailed explanation-5: -The State has reported extent of recorded forest area (RFA) 11, 879 sq km which is 13.38% of its geographical area.