The Union government is instituting new national awards for forest preservation activities, according to the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Mr Suresh Prabhu. Speaking after releasing the report of the World Commission of forests and Sustainable Development (WCFSC) at a function organised at the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) , Mr. Prabhu said that the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Award was being instituted. This would be given to a non-governmental organisation, individual and institution for carrying out the best forestry activities.