Natural carbon sinks, such as forests, oceans, wetlands, and grasslands, play a crucial role in sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. India, with its diverse ecosystems, holds significant potential for managing and enhancing these carbon sinks. These ecosystems not only capture and store CO2 but also provide vital ecological services. Effective management is essential to ensure these sinks continue to sequester carbon and do not become net emitters due to factors such as climate change and land-use practices.

 

Current Scenario 

Forests and Grasslands

• Forests: India’s forests cover approximately 24% of its geographical area and sequester around 300 million tons of CO2 annually.
• Grasslands: Indian grasslands sequester an estimated 50 million tons of CO2 per year. Grasslands, particularly in the semi-arid regions, are crucial for livestock grazing and biodiversity conservation.

Wetlands

• Extent: India has over 7.5 million hectares of wetlands, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity support.
• Challenges: Wetlands face threats from urbanization, pollution, and agricultural runoff, which can reduce their capacity to sequester carbon.

Oceans and Coastal Areas

• Mangroves: India’s mangrove forests, covering about 4,975 square kilometers, are highly effective carbon sinks, storing significant amounts of CO2.
• Marine Ecosystems: India’s extensive coastline supports marine ecosystems that also contribute to carbon sequestration.

Permafrost

• Presence: While India does not have significant permafrost regions, the global thawing of permafrost due to climate change is a concern for overall carbon management.

Challenges

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns threaten the stability of carbon sinks.
• Human Activities: Deforestation, land degradation, and pollution reduce the effectiveness of natural carbon sinks.
• Monitoring and Management: Lack of comprehensive monitoring systems and effective management practices hampers the ability to maintain and enhance these sinks.

Key Technology

Digital Monitoring Tools

• Remote Sensing and LiDAR: Use of satellite imagery, LiDAR, and other remote sensing technologies to monitor forest cover, grassland health, and wetland conditions.
• Deep Ocean Vehicles: Deployment of deep ocean vehicles and drones for monitoring marine ecosystems and mangroves.

Capacity Building for Stakeholders

• Training Programs: Conduct training programs for forest officials, local communities, and other stakeholders on sustainable management practices.
• Awareness Campaigns: Raise awareness about the importance of natural carbon sinks and promote community involvement in conservation efforts.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

• Partnerships: Foster partnerships between government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and local communities to manage and protect carbon sinks.
• International Collaboration: Engage with international organizations like Wetlands International and the International Permafrost Association for knowledge exchange and technical support.

Restoration and Conservation Initiatives

• Afforestation and Reforestation: Implement large-scale afforestation and reforestation projects to enhance forest cover and carbon sequestration.
• Wetland Restoration: Restore degraded wetlands through pollution control, sustainable agriculture practices, and habitat rehabilitation.

Case Studies

• Afforestation Initiatives in Madhya Pradesh: To increase forest cover and enhance carbon sequestration. The Madhya Pradesh government has launched extensive afforestation programs, planting millions of trees in degraded forest areas.
• Mangrove Restoration in Sundarbans: To restore and protect mangrove ecosystems in the Sundarbans, collaborative efforts by the West Bengal Forest Department, NGOs, and local communities to plant mangroves and protect existing forests.
• Wetland Conservation in Chilika Lake: To conserve and manage Chilika Lake, one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons. The Chilika Development Authority has implemented measures to control pollution, manage fisheries sustainably, and involve local communities in conservation Improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and increased carbon sequestration capacity of the wetland.