Madhya Pradesh Leads in Centre’s Green Credit Programme Efforts

April 15, 2024

Madhya Pradesh is leading the Centre’s Green Credit Programme (GCP) with over 500 land parcels approved for tree plantation across 10 states in the past two months. A total of 10,000 hectares of land have been identified for the programme by these states.

The approved degraded forest land for plantation/greening exercises is reported highest in MP (954 hectares), followed by Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Assam. Other states where land parcels have been approved include Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Odisha.

Several public sector undertakings and entities have been registered to carry out plantations on degraded forest land and earn green credits. The programme focuses on nurturing ecosystem services and encourages non-carbon environmental positive actions for the benefit of local soil, water, and ecosystems.

Tree species selection for each degraded forest land block will be based on discussions with the relevant forest department, the selecting entity, and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE).

The aim is to encourage assisted natural regeneration and indigenous species. Union environment secretary Leena Nandan emphasized the importance of selecting species relevant to the site for maximum impact.

About Green Credit Programme

The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is a market-based initiative that encourages voluntary environmental actions from individuals, companies, communities, and private sector industries.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change announced the programme on October 13, 2023, to encourage companies to participate in environmentally friendly activities like waste management, water management, and planting trees. The program is part of the government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) movement. The Green Credit Rules, 2023, were notified on 12th October 2023 under the Environment Protection Act 1986.

The programme allows individuals and companies to earn and trade green credits for afforestation on degraded forest land.

About Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change in India. It was established in 1986 to advance the science of forestry research in India. It oversees and coordinates the research, training, and extension activities in forestry, wildlife, and allied disciplines. ICFRE manages 9 research institutes and 4 advanced centres to promote sustainable forest management and conservation. It plays a crucial role in policy formulation and implementation related to forestry in India.

What are ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services refer to the various benefits that nature provides to humans, such as clean water, air, and food, regulation of climate, pollination of crops, and cultural and spiritual values. These services are essential for our well-being and livelihoods, contributing significantly to economic growth and social development. They highlight the interconnectedness between people and nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems. Understanding ecosystem services is crucial for sustainable resource management and conservation efforts to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

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