A stakeholder workshop themed “Leveraging Carbon Market for a Climate Resilient Jharkhand” was organized by the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Government of Jharkhand, at Hotel Chanakya BNR in Ranchi.
Addressing the workshop, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force, described carbon trading as a vital tool for environmental conservation and the enhancement of local livelihoods. He emphasized the need for coordination across all relevant sectors, including industry, mining, and energy. Citing ISRO data, he highlighted the challenge of land degradation affecting approximately 69 percent of Jharkhand’s land area and underscored the necessity of promoting initiatives such as water conservation, afforestation, land restoration, and the adoption of biogas.
Mr. Ravi Ranjan, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, stressed the importance of prioritizing community livelihoods and developing carbon projects based on scientific, evidence-based data.
Mr. Rakesh Sinha, DGM at NABARD, explored the potential for channeling carbon finance to farmers and rural communities through NABARD’s existing schemes and financial support. Former PCCF Dr. H. S. Gupta highlighted the significance of the carbon market for both environmental conservation and rural livelihoods, while Mr. A. T. Mishra, PCCF (Wetlands), underscored its role in wetland conservation and the promotion of biodiversity. Mr. Vijay, Director of Climatex, stated that the workshop aimed to deliberate on the potential of carbon finance to foster climate-resilient agriculture, agroforestry, and rural livelihoods within the state.
The welcome address at the event was delivered by Ms. Anuradha Mishra, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). The workshop saw the participation of representatives from various government departments, financial institutions, climate experts, development organizations, and the private sector—including NABARD, Birsa Agricultural University, GIZ, Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS), PRADAN, Social Alpha, Hindalco, Syngenta Foundation, the XIM-XLRI-NABARD Incubation Centre, and other entities involved in development and climate finance.
During the discussions, the workshop highlighted the potential for mobilizing carbon finance—through agroforestry, land restoration, and rural development schemes—to strengthen the livelihoods of farmers and tribal communities, while taking into account Jharkhand’s specific climate vulnerability.
The findings of a feasibility study conducted by CLIMATEX for the department were presented. Additionally, a digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) tool—designed to assess biomass and soil carbon stocks using satellite imagery and scientific models—was demonstrated. The report titled “Climate Hazard Mapping for Jharkhand” was also unveiled during the event.
Technical sessions focused on linking government schemes with carbon markets, exploring opportunities for blended and philanthropic finance, and scaling up climate-resilient projects through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and impact investing.
It was emphasized that the effective use of carbon finance could help increase the incomes of rural and tribal communities, conserve natural resources, and bolster the state’s adaptive capacity against the impacts of climate change.
Several officials from the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change were present at the event.