Madhya Pradesh Takes the Lead in Driving the Centre’s Green Credit Programme

Madhya Pradesh Takes the Lead in Driving the Centre’s Green Credit Programme

Madhya Pradesh Green Credit Programme: Madhya Pradesh has taken the lead in spearheading the Centre’s Green Credit Programme (GCP), securing approval for over 500 land parcels dedicated to tree plantation across 10 states in the recent two-month period. These states have collectively identified a sprawling 10,000 hectares of land earmarked for this commendable initiative.

Notably, Madhya Pradesh boasts the highest count of approved degraded forest land for plantation and greening activities, amounting to 954 hectares. Following closely are states like Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam. Furthermore, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha have also joined the fray with approved land parcels for the cause.

Various public sector entities have been enlisted to undertake plantation endeavours on degraded forest land, thereby accruing green credits. The GCP lays emphasis on nurturing ecosystem services, promoting non-carbon environmental endeavours for the betterment of local soil, water, and ecosystems.

The selection of tree species for each degraded forest land block hinges upon comprehensive consultations involving relevant forest departments, selecting entities, and the esteemed Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). The overarching goal is to foster assisted natural regeneration while prioritizing indigenous species. Union Environment Secretary Leena Nandan has underscored the pivotal role of selecting species tailored to each site for optimal impact.

The Green Credit Programme (GCP) stands as a market-driven initiative designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse stakeholders, including individuals, companies, communities, and private sector industries. Rolled out by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change on October 13, 2023, this program champions eco-friendly activities such as waste management, water conservation, and afforestation, aligning with the government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) movement. Governed by the Green Credit Rules, 2023, notified on October 12, 2023, under the Environment Protection Act 1986, the initiative enables individuals and companies to earn and trade green credits for afforestation endeavours on degraded forest land.

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as a pivotal autonomous body under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change in India. Established in 1986, its mandate revolves around advancing the science of forestry research across the nation. Overseeing and coordinating research, training, and extension activities in forestry, wildlife, and allied disciplines, ICFRE manages nine research institutes and four advanced centre’s. Its pivotal role in policy formulation and implementation underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable forest management and conservation in India.

Ecosystem services encompass a spectrum of benefits bestowed upon humans by nature, including clean water, air, food, climate regulation, crop pollination, and cultural and spiritual enrichment. Vital for our well-being and economic prosperity, these services underscore the interdependence between humanity and the natural world, underscoring the imperative of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. A nuanced understanding of ecosystem services is indispensable for fostering sustainable resource management and conservation efforts, ensuring a flourishing planet for generations to come.

Key Points about Madhya Pradesh Green Credit Programme:

1. Madhya Pradesh leads the Green Credit Programme (GCP) with approval for over 500 land parcels dedicated to tree plantation across 10 states.
2. A total of 10,000 hectares of land have been identified for the programme by participating states.
3. Madhya Pradesh has the highest count of approved degraded forest land for plantation (954 hectares), followed by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam.
4. Other states participating in the programme include Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
5. Public sector entities are engaged in plantation endeavours on degraded forest land to earn green credits.
6. The programme focuses on nurturing ecosystem services and promoting non-carbon environmental actions.
7. Tree species selection is based on consultations with relevant authorities and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), prioritizing indigenous species and assisted natural regeneration.
8. The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is a market-driven initiative encouraging voluntary environmental actions, such as waste management, water conservation, and afforestation.
9. Governed by the Green Credit Rules, 2023, the programme allows individuals and companies to earn and trade green credits for afforestation efforts.
10. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) plays a crucial role in advancing forestry research, training, and policy formulation for sustainable forest management and conservation.

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