What is Uttar Pradesh's new 'living heritage' initiative?

Uttar Pradesh has become the first Indian state to launch an initiative protecting 948 ancient trees as 'heritage trees,' emphasizing their conservation and propagation as living natural landmarks.

How were the heritage trees in Uttar Pradesh identified?

Heritage trees were identified through nominations from biodiversity committees, vetting by forest officials, and extensive field surveys, documenting their botanical and cultural significance.

What is the main criterion for a tree to be declared a heritage tree?

The primary criterion for a tree to be declared a heritage tree is to be at least 100 years old or to have survived across four human generations, with some exceptions made for trees of significant spiritual provenance.

Home / Environment / UP Declares Living Heritage: Trees Get Official Protection

UP Declares Living Heritage: Trees Get Official Protection

8 Feb

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Summary

Uttar Pradesh is the first Indian state to protect living heritage trees.
948 heritage trees have been officially notified, spanning centuries.
A framework for identifying and conserving these ancient trees is established.

Uttar Pradesh has pioneered a unique conservation effort by designating 948 ancient trees as 'heritage trees,' marking the first time India has an institutionalized program for protecting living natural landmarks. These venerable trees, some standing for centuries, are now officially recognized and slated for conservation and propagation.

The state implemented a detailed framework in 2019 to identify, verify, and notify these heritage trees, with groundwork commencing in 2020. The UP State Biodiversity Board and the forest department share jurisdiction, with most of the notified trees found on community and public lands, underscoring decades of local care.

Identification involved district nominations, vetting by forest officials, and comprehensive field surveys by Lucknow University's Institute of Wildlife Sciences. Trees were documented not only botanically but also culturally, recording folklore and historical significance. The primary criterion was age (at least 100 years), with a notable exception for a Peepal tree at Sarnath due to its significant spiritual lineage.