Green Credit Programme (GCP) : 17 April 2024

Center modifies Green Credit Program guidelines to emphasize ecosystem restoration.

About Green Credit Programme:

2023: It was launched by India at COP 28, Dubai.
It involves creating an inventory of degraded wastelands, which can be utilised for planting by individuals and organisations.
Green credits will be awarded to participants undertaking environmentally positive actions.
It is a part of is part of the broader ‘LiFE’ campaign (Lifestyle for Environment), and it encourages and rewards voluntary environmentally-positive actions.
There are concerns that the Green Credit Programme (GCP) may encourage tree planting for financial gains.

Green Credit:

It includes monetary rewards for engaging in environmentally beneficial activities.

Latest Guidelines	In April, this year Environment Ministry had issued guidelines that States must calculate what it would cost to restore a degraded forest landscape. The Ministry has changed the earlier requirement that there be a minimum of 1,100 trees per hectare to qualify as a reforested landscape and left it to States to specify them. Shrubs, herbs, and grasses may be used in some areas for restoring degraded ecosystems based on the suitability of the landscape.
Green Credit Programme (GCP) Clarification	The Environment Ministry has clarified that primacy must be given to restoring ecosystems over tree planting only.
Application Process	Individuals and companies can apply to the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to pay for forest restoration.
Implementation	State forest departments will carry out the actual afforestation.
Green Credit	After two years and evaluation by ICFRE, each planted tree may be worth one green credit.
Utilization of Green Credits	Organizations can use green credits to comply with forest laws and corporate social responsibility requirements.

Why in news?

Center modifies Green Credit Program guidelines to emphasize ecosystem restoration.