India, July 18 -- President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said that conservation efforts will be more effective and long-lasting when communities are stakeholders in protecting forests. Addressing probationers of the Indian Forest Service (IFoS), who called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, she said technological advancements, demographic changes and rising aspirations will continue to present new challenges before them.

"As officers, you must remain adaptable and forward-looking. You should keep learning and remain open to innovation while staying firmly rooted in constitutional values," Murmu said. The president asked them to encourage people's participation in conservation, restoration and sustainable livelihood initiatives....