President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday expressed worldwide concern on “existential threats” posed by environmental degradation, depletion in forest cover and global warming.

“Environmental protection has become a key concern for the 21^st century. And forests are an integral part of the solution,” the President said while addressing a group of Indian Forest Service (2017 batch) probationers at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

He said forest protection, especially in India, must invoke participation and support of those whose livelihoods depend of forests.

“A large number of very poor people, including tribals, live in and around the forests of our country. It is through forests that they fulfill their basic needs of food, fuel-wood, and fodder. They respect forests as part of their traditions and beliefs. Any measures to protect forests should be sensitive to the basic needs of these people and involve them as partners,” President Kovind said.

He added that the joint forest management model that the country has adopted is based on the “care and share” principle. Indian Forest Service Officers, he said, must involve local people and communities in forest management and apply “the scientific principles of the forestry with a human and compassionate face.”