India is preparing to establish its first Forest University in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major milestone in environmental education and natural resource management. The initiative is aimed at building specialised capacity in forestry, wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection and sustainable ecosystem management, critical areas in the face of climate challenges and ecological degradation.
The Forest University will offer academic programmes, research opportunities and field-based training focused on forest sciences, environment studies, wildlife management, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration and community-based conservation practices. Students and researchers will engage directly with forests, wildlife habitats and conservation projects to gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
The university’s curriculum is expected to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific tools such as remote sensing, GIS mapping, forest modelling, and conservation technology. Partnerships with government agencies, environmental organisations and international institutions are also being planned to broaden research impact and professional exposure.
Officials say the Forest University will help produce skilled professionals, from forest managers and wildlife biologists to environmental planners and policy advisors, who can contribute effectively to India’s commitment to biodiversity protection and sustainable development goals.
By creating a dedicated centre of excellence for forest education, India joins a select group of countries prioritising specialised environmental higher learning. The move reflects a growing recognition that the future of forests, wildlife and climate resilience depends not only on policy but on education, research and locally grounded stewardship.
