Hindu Editorial Analysis : 27-April-2024
In a recent development, the Environment Ministry has released new guidelines for its Green Credit Programme (GCP), which aims to focus on restoring ecosystems instead of just planting trees. This change comes two months after the initial rules were established for afforestation under the GCP.
About the Green Credit Programme
Launched in October 2023, the Green Credit Programme is part of the government’s broader Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) movement. Here are some key features:
- Innovative Mechanism: The GCP aims to create a market-based system that encourages voluntary environmental actions.
- Goals: Its primary goals are sustainability, waste reduction, and improving the natural environment.
- Involvement: Individuals, organizations, and companies can invest in various sectors, including:
- Afforestation
- Water conservation
- Air pollution control
- Waste management
- Mangrove conservation
- Green Credits: Participants can earn ‘green credits’ in exchange for their efforts in these areas.
- Administration: The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) oversees the GCP. They will develop methods to calculate green credits and manage a trading platform for these credits.
Recent Developments
In February 2024, the Ministry set rules for afforestation, allowing various entities to fund projects in degraded forests and wastelands. Some important points include:
- Planting Trees: State forest departments will handle the actual tree planting.
- Credit Valuation: After two years, trees will be evaluated by the ICFRE, and each successfully planted tree may earn one green credit.
Challenges Ahead
While the GCP presents promising opportunities, there are significant challenges:
- Scientific Basis: The reasoning behind assigning credits based on tree quantity is unclear.
- Legal Concerns: Critics argue that the GCP could bypass existing forest conservation laws.
- Permanence Risks: There are fears that trees could be cut down after credit payments or could suffer from fires, pests, or poor growth conditions. This raises questions about the real environmental benefits, particularly regarding carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.
Why In News
The Environment Ministry has issued additional guidelines for its Green Credit Programme (GCP), just two months after establishing rules for its initial initiative, afforestation. These modifications will prioritize the restoration of ecosystems over mere tree planting, reflecting a more holistic approach to environmental conservation that considers the health of entire ecosystems.
MCQs about Understanding the Green Credit Programme
- What is the primary goal of the Green Credit Programme (GCP)?
A. To promote industrial growth
B. To encourage deforestation
C. To emphasize sustainability and improve the natural environment
D. To increase urbanization
- Who is responsible for administering the Green Credit Programme?
A. The Ministry of Agriculture
B. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)
C. Local government bodies
D. Non-governmental organizations
- What significant change did the Environment Ministry make to the rules of the GCP?
A. Increased the number of green credits
B. Focused on afforestation only
C. Prioritized ecosystem restoration over mere tree planting
D. Restricted participation to private companies
- Which of the following is a challenge associated with the Green Credit Programme?
A. Clear guidelines for credit assignment
B. High public interest
C. Unclear scientific rationale behind credit assignments
D. Abundant resources for afforestation
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