The Green Credit Rules of 2023, part of the Green Credit Programme (GCP), were introduced last October to create a market-driven mechanism. Recently, the government issued initial guidelines for tree planting under this program.

While tree planting is generally good, the current approach could cause more harm than good.

The directive tells forest departments to use various types of land like forests, scrublands, wastelands, and catchment areas for tree planting.

This oversimplifies complex ecosystems. Forests are more than just trees; they include different plants, soil, and wildlife that work together to regulate climate, protect soil, maintain water cycles, and support biodiversity.

India has over 200 types of forests across different regions, each playing a unique role in its ecosystem.

Terms like ‘degraded land’ and ‘wasteland’ used in the guidelines are unclear and might lead to industrial plantations that ignore biodiversity and ecosystem benefits.

Historically, tree planting in India has often replaced natural ecosystems with single-species plantations, which disrupt habitats and can harm wildlife and the environment.

This can worsen problems like water shortage and soil erosion in dry areas.

Allowing green credits from these plantations to offset other obligations overlooks the value of natural forests and the damage caused by unchecked development.

Instead of just planting trees, laws should focus on restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.

The current path risks creating ‘green deserts’-monocultures of trees that lack the complexity and benefits of natural forests.

It’s important to rethink these guidelines to ensure that tree planting under the GCP truly helps restore ecosystems and supports long-term sustainability.