Konkan region of Maharashtra is located in Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, which is one of the four Biodiversity Hotspots in India out of total 35 in the world. This region hosts more than 800 species of angiosperm plants, 84 species of mammals, 399 of birds, 86 of reptiles and amphibians. Of the wild animals, nearly 60 species are threatened as per IUCN Red List.

The region has a forest cover in excess of 42 per cent as per State of Forest Report-2017 (Forest Survey of India, Dehradun). Compared to Maharashtra (16.5 %) and India (21.5 %), this forest cover is much higher and in line with the national forest policy goal of 33 per cent forest cover. This forest comprises of Semi-Evergreen, Moist Deciduous, Dry Deciduous, and Littoral and Swamp types. A large number of timber and medicinal plants are found in these forests. But more than commercial production, these forests are valuable for their ecosystem services in the present context.

In the 1980s, when the Government of India decided to start educational programmes in forestry, few Universities across India were selected to start B. Sc. Forestry degree programme. Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli was one of those selected Universities where the degree programme in Forestry was initiated in the year 1986 under College of Agriculture, Dapoli. An independent College of Forestry was later established in 2005. Further, M. Sc. Forestry degree programme with an intake of 7 students was also initiated in 2008 to provide higher education to Forestry graduates. Over the years, the college has catered to the student community mainly of Maharashtra but also of Karnataka, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and also to students from Bhutan and Sudan.

The College of Forestry, Dapoli has following objectives which are implicit in the educational programmes. The following para summarizes the accomplishments of this college in line with the objectives.

Vision

Vibrant Konkan with Rich and Diverse Forest Resources

Mission

Develop skilled manpower and appropriate technology for conservation and management of forest resources of Konkan region

Objectives:

To instil forest management skills among students to excel in forest services, forest-based industries, environmental and other related sectors
To cater to the needs of forestry research in Konkan region by attracting research funding from government and non-government agencies and institutes
To develop location-specific, need-based agroforestry models for Konkan region
To play a key role in forest extension including social and farm forestry, restoration forestry and commercial forest cultivation through supply of quality planting material of timber and non-timber forest plants including medicinal and aromatic plants
To impart training to the forest department personnel, farmers, entrepreneurs and to generate environmental awareness