Maharashtra Forest Department and Savitribai Phule Pune University Sign MoU for Advanced Training of Range Forest Officers

Pune, 10th October 2024: In a significant step towards enhancing forest management and conservation efforts, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Maharashtra Forest Department and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) on October 9, 2024. The agreement was formalized by M. Srinivas Reddy, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Research, Education, and Training), representing the forest department, and Prof. (Dr.) Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of SPPU.

This collaborative partnership aims to award Master of Science (M.Sc.) degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas to Range Forest Officers (RFOs) currently undergoing an 18-month induction training program at two prominent institutions: the Chandrapur Forest Academy and the Kundal Forest Academy in Maharashtra.

The initial term of the MoU will span five years from the signing date, reflecting a mutual commitment to improving the education and training quality for RFOs. The partnership focuses on both academic and practical training, with courses tailored to meet the needs of modern forest management and aligned with the guidelines set out by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

“This initiative addresses the pressing need for skilled manpower in forest conservation,” said Reddy. “By equipping RFOs with advanced knowledge in environmental sciences, we are strengthening the capacity of our officers to effectively manage and conserve forest resources.”

The collaboration also seeks to reinforce the longstanding relationship between academic institutions and government bodies, promoting sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship in the region. The MoU emphasizes the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical training, enabling RFOs to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.

The signing ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Prof. (Dr.) Parag Kalkar, Prof. (Dr.) Jyoti Bhakare, Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Dhole, Prof. (Dr.) Raymond A. Duraiswami, and officials from the forest department, among others.

As Maharashtra continues to navigate challenges in forest conservation, this MoU marks a proactive approach to fostering a new generation of skilled RFOs equipped to tackle the evolving demands of environmental protection and management.