India, July 31 -- Elected representatives, project proponents, and even seasoned bureaucrats see foresters as impediments to development. Foresters often ask themselves why not walk the easier path. Here is why they don't.

But first, why maintain forests? Forests provide ecosystem services that man-made systems cannot: climate regulation, watershed preservation, and air quality maintenance. They underpin food systems, support livelihoods and economic growth. Diverting forests for development precludes these benefits. The Constitution mandates maintenance of forests. The National Forest Policy 1988 recognises forest lands as national assets to be safeguarded for the benefit of the entire community. Even the Supreme Court holds forest cons...