Himachal Pradesh’s forest resources are valued at Rs 22,600 crore each year, offering a significant opportunity for the state’s economy and rural employment. A recent report titled “Counting Green Wealth, Towards a Future-Ready People’s Forest Economy in Himachal Pradesh” highlights the potential of these natural assets. The state’s forest cover has increased from 25.7% to around 28% of its geographical area, with a rise in tree cover as well.
Forests in Himachal Pradesh play a crucial role in storing an estimated 258 million tons of carbon, contributing significantly to India’s terrestrial carbon sink. The state’s efforts align with India’s climate commitments, aiming to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3.0 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030. Himachal Pradesh’s initiatives, such as the biochar program using various biomass residues, position it as a potential leader in climate-positive forest economy pathways.
The report emphasizes the importance of a scientifically sound carbon strategy, stressing the need for detailed species-level inventories and robust monitoring systems. Successful initiatives like biochar and biofuel production demonstrate the potential to convert problematic biomass into valuable industrial resources, aligning with India’s sustainable development goals. This comprehensive study integrates ground data with advanced technologies to enhance forest resource assessment and species mapping.
