Empowering Rural Livelihoods through Agroforestry in Aligarh

Project Overview: Developing Voluntary Carbon Market Projects for Agroforestry Plantations in Aligarh Forest Circle

The Aligarh Forest Circle Agroforestry Initiative is a carbon finance project designed to bridge the gap between climate mitigation and rural economic development. Launched in 2024, the initiative promotes strategic tree plantation on agricultural lands to enhance carbon sequestration while simultaneously boosting farm productivity. Beyond carbon capture, the project delivers vital environmental co-benefits, including enriched biodiversity, restored soil health, and reinforced ecosystem services.

By generating tradable carbon credits, the project creates a sustainable, long-term revenue stream for participating farmers. This community-centric approach positions agroforestry as a practical and scalable solution for climate resilience, aligning local agricultural practices with national climate and development goals.

Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement:

Central to the project's success is a robust framework of farmer mobilization and inclusive stakeholder consultation. On 3 December 2024, TERI, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, hosted a capacity-building workshop at the Department of Geology, Aligarh Muslim University. This session targeted frontline staff and senior forest officials from the Aligarh Forest Circle, covering the technicalities of carbon project development, rigorous data requirements, and implementation frameworks.

Current Status:

The project is currently in its active implementation phase. Efforts are focused on deep-level farmer engagement and the systematic collection of plantation data across the Aligarh Forest Circle to ensure the integrity and transparency of future carbon credit generation.