Chhattisgarh Links Forest Ecosystem to Green GDP
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in News? | Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem to Green GDP. |
| Goals and Design of the Action Plan | Ensures economic progress while preserving the environment. Key benefits include climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption. |
| Importance of Forest Resources in Chhattisgarh | 44% of Chhattisgarh's land is forested. Forest products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants boost the rural economy. Forests absorb carbon dioxide, aiding climate change mitigation. |
| Alignment with National Vision | Aligns with PM's vision of "Developed India 2047." Emphasizes economic and environmental benefits in budget planning and policy-making. |
| Findings from ISFR Report | India State of Forest Report (ISFR) highlights a rise in forest and tree cover in Chhattisgarh due to conservation efforts. |
| Cultural and Employment Significance | Forests hold religious and cultural significance for tribal communities. They contribute to employment through eco-tourism activities like jungle safaris and camping. |
| Ecosystem Services Valuation | Scientists will assess ecosystem services, including clean air (CO2 absorption), water conservation, and biodiversity, to quantify the economic value of forests. |
| Green GDP | Modified version of traditional GDP that accounts for environmental costs like natural resource depletion, degradation, and pollution. |
| Need for Green GDP | Traditional GDP ignores sustainability and environmental damage. Green GDP ensures economic growth aligns with sustainable practices. |
| Formula | Green GDP = NDP − (Cost of Natural Resource Depletion + Cost of Ecosystem Degradation). NDP = GDP − Depreciation of Produced Assets. |