Madhya Pradesh’s New Forest Restoration Policy

Madhya Pradesh is set to involve private entities in afforestation projects within degraded forests. A draft policy has been released by the state’s forest department. This initiative aims to address the challenge of restoring 3.7 million hectares of degraded forest land. The policy is titled “Forest Restoration Using CSR, CER, and Non-Governmental Funds.” It seeks to attract investment for ecological restoration, as government funds are insufficient for such extensive efforts.

Policy Objectives

The primary goal of the policy is to enhance green cover. This is essential for ecological services and improving livelihoods for local communities. By involving private players, the state aims to leverage additional resources for forest restoration.

Afforestation Costs

Afforestation costs are estimated between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh per hectare. The costs depend on factors like location, land size, soil conditions, and climate. The policy encourages contributions from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Environmental Responsibility (CER) funds.

Participation of Private Entities

Private entities, including industrial groups, corporations, individuals, and voluntary organisations, can participate in the restoration efforts. They can select degraded land ranging from 10 to 10,000 hectares for a period of 60 years. This long-term agreement allows for sustained ecological management.

Carbon Credits

Investors in the restoration projects will have the right to carbon credits for the duration of the agreement. Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) will retain a 10 per cent share of these credits. This incentivises participation and ensures local communities benefit from the ecological restoration.

Plantation Guidelines

Investors can choose the species for plantation, but the use of exotic species is prohibited. This aims to maintain ecological integrity and support native biodiversity.

Land Ownership and Rights

The policy does not grant land ownership rights to investors. The state government will retain ownership of timber produced from the trees planted. Compliance with existing laws is mandatory, including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

Distribution of Forest Produce

Forest produce will be divided as follows – 50 per cent to the investor, 30 per cent to the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (MPSFDC), and 20 per cent to JFMCs. The MPSFDC will oversee the extraction and auction of forest produce, ensuring fair distribution.

Stakeholder Agreements

A tripartite agreement will be established between the investor, the MPSFDC, and the JFMCs. This agreement will outline the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, ensuring clarity and accountability in the restoration process.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in environmental restoration efforts.
2. What are the implications of carbon credit systems on biodiversity conservation? Explain.
3. How does the involvement of private entities in public resources affect governance and community welfare?
4. What is the significance of native species in afforestation projects? Discuss with suitable examples.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the role of Corporate Social Responsibility in environmental restoration efforts.

1. CSR initiatives can provide necessary funding for large-scale environmental projects, addressing funding gaps faced by governments.
2. Engagement of corporates can lead to innovative approaches and technologies in restoration practices.
3. CSR can enhance a company’s public image and employee morale, aligning business goals with environmental sustainability.
4. However, reliance on CSR may lead to inconsistent funding and prioritization of projects based on corporate interests over ecological needs.
5. Effective CSR requires collaboration with local communities to ensure that restoration efforts meet both ecological and social goals.

2. What are the implications of carbon credit systems on biodiversity conservation? Explain.

1. Carbon credit systems incentivize land restoration, potentially leading to increased forest cover and habitat protection.
2. They can promote sustainable land management practices, reducing pressure on biodiversity from traditional land-use practices.
3. However, focusing solely on carbon credits may overlook other ecological values, prioritizing quantity over quality of biodiversity.
4. There is a risk of monoculture plantations for carbon credits, which can harm native species diversity and ecosystem health.
5. Successful integration of biodiversity considerations into carbon credit systems can enhance both carbon sequestration and ecological resilience.

3. How does the involvement of private entities in public resources affect governance and community welfare?

1. Private involvement can lead to improved efficiency and expertise in managing public resources through innovative practices.
2. It may generate additional revenue streams for governments, which can be reinvested into community welfare projects.
3. However, it can create conflicts of interest where profit motives overshadow community benefits and ecological integrity.
4. Transparency and accountability mechanisms are crucial to ensure that private entities do not exploit public resources at the community’s expense.
5. Community engagement in decision-making processes can help align private interests with local welfare and ecological sustainability.

4. What is the significance of native species in afforestation projects? Discuss with suitable examples.

1. Native species are better adapted to local climates and soil conditions, promoting higher survival rates in afforestation efforts.
2. They support local biodiversity, providing habitat and food for native wildlife, which is crucial for ecosystem balance.
3. Examples include planting indigenous trees like Teak and Sal in India, which enhance soil health and prevent erosion.
4. Native species contribute to ecosystem services such as water retention, carbon sequestration, and soil fertility improvement.
5. Using native species encourages cultural significance and traditional knowledge among local communities, enhancing their engagement in restoration projects.