The state of West Bengal extends from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It lies betweens 20o 31' N and 27o 12' N latitude and 89o 52' E longitude, covering a geographic area of 88,752 sq.km.
Total recorded forest land in the state is presently 11,879 sq.km., of which 7,054 sq.km. is Reserved Forest, 3,772 sq.km. is Protected Forest and 1,053 sq.km. is Unclassed State Forest, thus constituting 13.38% of the geographical area of the state. Almost 34% of the total forest area, consisting of 15 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 5 National Parks, 1 Biosphere Reserves and 2 Tiger Reserves, is under the Protected Area Network.
Besides the major activities of Forest and Wild Life Conservation and Protection, the Department has taken several initiatives of Joint Forest Management for peoples' participation in forest management. Eco-tourism Centres are one such initiative for involvement, education and awareness creation among the general public about the importance of nature conservation and wild life preservation.
The Forest Directorate is headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, West Bengal, presently designated as Head of Forest Force (HoFF). West Bengal State Forest Development Agency is an undertaking of Department of Forests, West Bengal.
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