GREEN CREDIT RULE 2023 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The recently published Green Credit Rules are “disastrous” and “detrimental” to ecological aspects of forests, experts have pointed out.

Key Points

• Ministry's Directive on Land Identification: The Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued rules mandating state forest departments to identify degraded land parcels.
• Scope of Land Identification: The directive encompasses various types of land, including open forests, scrublands, wastelands, and catchment areas.
• Concerns Regarding Terminology: Describing areas like scrubland, open forests, and catchment areas as "degraded" is considered vague and potentially misleading.

Green Credit

• About: It represents a unit of incentive granted to individuals and entities involved in activities that yield positive environmental impacts.
• Programme: This program is a voluntary initiative introduced by the government to encourage diverse stakeholders to actively participate in activities promoting environmental preservation and sustainable practices.
• Part of: Mission LiFE

Green Credit Rules 2023

• About: Established on October 12, 2023, signal India's dedication to sustainable practices.
• Initiated by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Objective: To launch a Green Credit (GC) programme on a national level to leverage a competitive market-based approach for GC and incentivise voluntary environmental actions by stakeholders.
• Eligibility criteria for Green Credit

oTree plantation: Planting trees to combat deforestation and increase green cover.

oWater management: Implementing water conservation techniques like rainwater harvesting.

oSustainable agriculture: Adopting eco-friendly farming practices.

oWaste management: Promoting waste reduction, recycling, and composting.

oAir pollution reduction: Initiatives that improve air quality.

oMangrove conservation and restoration: Protecting and reviving mangrove ecosystems.

oOthers: Eco-mark labelling, and Sustainable building and infrastructure.