Periyar Tiger Reserve eyes carbon credits; conservation foundation leads initiative

The project is being developed in collaboration with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), based in Delhi. The three agencies had previously signed a memorandum of understanding, and the project is now under government consideration for approval.

By leveraging the rich biodiversity of the Periyar forest region, the initiative aims to obtain carbon credits from internationally recognized agencies. TERI is responsible for identifying suitable agencies for issuing these credits.

Spanning 925 square kilometres, the Periyar Tiger Reserve has undergone a biomass survey to estimate potential carbon credit generation. Preliminary studies suggest that the forest absorbs 1.90 lakh (190,000) tons of carbon dioxide annually, contributing to reduced air pollution and global warming. The project estimates that removing one ton of carbon dioxide could fetch $4–5 per carbon credit.

If implemented, the revenue generated from carbon credits will be utilized for forest conservation, livelihood programs for communities dependent on the forest, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. The initiative does not require any financial investment from the state government or PTCF.

Carbon credits, also known as carbon offsets, represent the reduction or removal of carbon emissions, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e). These credits are generated through projects that either absorb carbon from the atmosphere, such as reforestation or reduce emissions, like renewable energy initiatives.

Carbon markets facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of these credits. Industries or nations exceeding their allowed carbon emissions can purchase credits to compensate for their impact, while entities holding carbon credits can profit by selling them to those aiming to meet emission targets.