Baseline and quantification of sequestration of 2.5–3 billion tonne of CO2e by 2030
The present study focuses on analysing the gaps and challenges in attaining the desired NDC goal of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonne of CO2e through additional forest and tree covers through forestry, and summarize the possible recommendations and a road map for achieving the same.
India's NDC target on developing additional carbon sequestration sink of 2.5–3 billion tonne of CO2e through forestry sector is an exceedingly difficult and ambitious task that requires immediate reforms as well as strong political and financial commitment from the government.
In this regard, the policy brief titled 'Baseline and quantification of sequestration of 2.5–3 billion tonne of CO2e by 2030' was launched along with five other policy briefs on forestry during the World Sustainable Development Summit 2021. This study presents a brief analysis of the forestry NDC goal and summarize the possible recommendations and a road map for achieving the NDC objectives. It also focuses on issues such as forecasting financial resources, analysing the institutional framework, strengthening agroforestry, policy interventions, sustainable forest management to further aid in achieving the forestry target.
In addition, the policy brief also lays down certain recommendations and activities while strategizing the creation of additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonne through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. They are as follows:
- Improvement/restoration of natural forests
- Improving forests which have lost canopy density in the last few years
- Improving open forests of longer vintage
- Tree planting on culturable wastelands and other available lands in villages
- Tree planting along:
- Roads (national highways, state highways, and other roads)
- Railway lines including railway siding
- Rivers and canals
- Greening of urban spaces
- Agroforestry