Conservation of Protected Areas through Carbon Finance:
Implementing a pilot project for Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
Work Package 3
Objective
The main objective of the study was to develop mechanism for obtaining finance through carbon sequestration in protected areas (PAs). Outline a methodology for measuring wetland carbon stock. Draw up an index to standardize the contribution of co -benefits of biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in PAs of India based on Carbon, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA) standard.
Main Activities
Baseline Survey (Carbon estimation, Socioeconomic assessment, Identification of Ecosystem Services, Drivers of degradation, Anthropogenic dependence)
The baseline data for all the parameters such as carbon stock estimation, identification of ecosystem services, socio economic assessments and aspects of human wildlife conflict has been collected and analysed.
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Valuation of Ecosystem services (Develop methodology for assessment of ES; Developing methodology for wetland carbon estimation)
The project calculated the baseline carbon stock for Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) and developed methodology for assessment of wetland carbon stock. Valuation of the ecosystem services was undertaken to establish and standardise the CCBA Index.
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CCBA Index (Developing parameters; Quantify contribution of various ES)
The project identified the relevant ecosystem services provided by DTR which have been economically valued to understand the significance of the services. Based on the valuation exercise, CCBA index has been developed which is 1:8 in case of DTR.
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Human wildlife conflict (Implementation of livelihood activities in selected villages; Designing and implementing programmes for reducing anthropogenic dependence)
Relevant strategies have been formulated to mitigate human wildlife conflict and enhanced by reducing dependence on forest resources.
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Dissemination (Workshops, Policy briefs)
Workshop on assessment of carbon stock for frontline staff of forest department was organised. Dissemination of results of study during Indian Forest Services training program, results presented before Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Global Tiger Forum. Two policy briefs were developed namely, . 1. Carbon finance: Solutions for mitigating HWC in and around tiger habitats of India 2. Meeting the challenges of human wildlife conflict- reconciliation in DTR.
Norwegian Partner: CICERO Centre for International Climate Research
Achievements
The study developed the methodology for assessment of wetland carbon stock and also provided the approach to calculate the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA) index for Protected Areas (PAs) that can support the introduction of the alternate livelihood options for the local communities. This shall not only help reduce the dependence of local communities on forest resources but also help them generate additional income. This may further increase the potential of reducing emission from REDD+ activities. The developed approach can be used for any ecosystem and has been accepted by the UP Forest Department, National Tiger conservation Authority and Global Tiger Forum.
Tools developed
- CCBA Index: Index to standardize the contribution of co -benefits of biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement in PAs of India based on Carbon, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA) Standards
Publications
- Policy briefs
- Publication
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Mitigating Human Wildlife conflict and climate change in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh through the approach of Carbon Finance
Yatish Lele, J.V. Sharma & and Ananya Srivastava | Eco. Env. & Cons. 27 (August Suppl. Issue): p.S355-S362 | 2021
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Mitigating Human Wildlife conflict and climate change in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh through the approach of Carbon Finance
- Article
- Media Coverage
- TERI, Uttar Pradesh government join hands to monetise carbon credits
The Times of India, February 16, 2022
- TERI, Uttar Pradesh government join hands to monetise carbon credits
Events
Webinar on “Carbon finance: A tool to mitigate human wildlife conflict and climate change in protected areas of India”
Date: 25 June 2020 | Online
The webinar focused on exploring the potential of Protected Areas of India in generating carbon finance to address the issue of human wildlife conflict and climate change.
2 day training of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve officials on Carbon Stock Assessment
Date: 28-29 August 2019 | Uttar Pradesh, India
The capacity building for forest officials of Uttar Pradesh on “Carbon Stock Assessment of Forest Ecosystem” was designed to provide hands on training for conducting the measurements of five pools of carbon for the estimation of carbon stocks present in the forest.
Contact
Dr J. V. Sharma,Director, TERI
jv.sharma@teri.res.in