Chhattisgarh Becomes India’s First State to Include Forest Ecosystems in Green GDP.
National
In January 2024, Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to introduce an innovative plan that connects its forest ecosystem services to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).
- The initiative seeks to directly connect the environmental benefits of forests, such as clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity, with the state's economic growth. It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'Developed India 2047'.
- With 44% of its land covered by forests, Chhattisgarh depends on its abundant natural resources to sustain the livelihoods of millions.
- Green GDP is a measure of economic growth that factors in the environmental and social costs of economic activities, calculated by subtracting the environmental and social costs from the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Main Point :- (i) Forests in Chhattisgarh play a dual role by boosting the rural economy with products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants, while also combating climate change as carbon sinks; the action plan aims to balance economic growth with environmental conservation to protect the ecosystem for future generations.
(ii) By linking the benefits of forests, such as climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption, to Green GDP, Chhattisgarh aims to enhance budget planning and promote policies for sustainable development while incorporating these environmental contributions into the state's economic planning.
(iii) Scientists will assess the economic value of essential ecosystem services provided by forests, including the market value of carbon dioxide absorbed by trees for clean air, the economic impact of water conserved by forests through rivers and springs, and the role of forest biodiversity in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture, all of which will be integrated into the Green GDP.
About Chhattisgarh
Capital : Raipur
CM : Vishnu Deo Sai
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