Mumbai: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) hosted the first national consultation on public-private partnerships to promote forest conservation.

Speaking at the event, U.S. Consul General in Mumbai Mr. Tom Vajda said, "Because of the key role forestry plays in climate change mitigation, it is an important area of partnership within the broader bilateral relationship between the United States and India.  The U.S. government is pleased to support this event today, which will pave the way for developing new models of collaboration between our governments and the private sector for forest conservation and management efforts here in India."

The event also marked the launch of the new Corporate Forest Responsibility (CFR) Charter.  By setting a target to invest a portion of Corporate Social Responsibility resources in forest conservation, the Charter sets the stage for a concerted private sector-led effort to promote forest and biodiversity conservation.

"BCCI is pleased to support USAID's initiative to engage the private sector in this important dialogue.  I believe a public-private partnership approach to forest conservation will benefit both the industry and government in equal measures," said Mr. R. Mukundan, Vice President of BCCI.

This event coincided with the opening in Mumbai of a new USAID regional office co-located with the U.S. Consulate.  To contact USAID/India in Mumbai, call +91 22 2672-4625.