CG’s forest ecosystem services to be valued by connecting with Green GDP
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department is creating a vision document that incorporates ecosystem services valuation. This groundbreaking effort to connect forest ecosystem services with Green GDP demonstrates progress in uniting environmental conservation with economic growth. The measurement of intangible benefits through Green GDP correlation reveals the true value of forest ecosystem services.
The department officials indicated that this evaluation will improve budget planning, strategic decisions, fund allocation, and forestry programme enhancement.
Chhattisgarh’s forests span 44% of its territory (59,820.78 square kilometres), representing vital ecological and economic resources. These forests provide essential livelihoods through direct benefits, including timber and non-timber forest produce (NTFP) such as medicinal plants, tendu leaves, sal seed, mahua, harra, awala, bamboo, various resins, honey, edible fruits, and lac, supporting rural economies.
These natural assets maintain local industries while generating employment and providing nistar facilities to nearby communities, directly impacting numerous residents. These concrete benefits significantly influence the state’s GDP.
The substantial intangible benefits remain undervalued despite their importance. These include climate regulation through carbon storage, agricultural pollination assistance, nutrient cycles, soil enhancement, and biodiversity conservation through habitat protection.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap stated, “Till now, there has been no formal valuation of the important services contributed by forests, and this initiative marks a transformative step towards recognising their true worth.”
The evaluation project proceeds under ACS, Department of Forest and Climate Change, Richa Sharma, and PCCF & HoFF V Sreenivasa Rao and APCCF Sunil Mishra.
The forests’ tangible contributions consistently strengthen Chhattisgarh’s economy. In 2023, tendu leaf collection achieved sales of 12.66 lakh standard bags, generating Rs 789 crore revenue.
“It will take at least a year to evaluate the exact contribution of the forest to the state GDP, starting from January 1, 2025. Presently, we are receiving about Rs 3000 crore allocation for managing 44% of forests present in Chhattisgarh, and our contributions to the GDP are being shown as Rs 1000 crore. The contribution will certainly increase when a proper valuation is done, and with these objectives, we are initiating the valuation,” PCCF & HoFF V Sreenivasa Rao.
Source: Times of India News, Jan 1, 2025