In a major step towards environmental restoration and sustainable income generation, the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), through its Forest Department, has inked a 40-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Earth-Tree Company. The partnership aims to revive degraded lands, restore forest cover, and open avenues for carbon credit earnings across the district.
The MoU was signed on August 5 during a brief ceremony held at the conference hall of the JHADC office. Present at the event were HH Mohrmen, Consultant with Earth-Tree; FW Blah, Chief Forest Officer, JHADC; Sunny Donkupar Mawiong, Director of Earth-Tree; Dr. S.N. Goswami, Chief Operating Officer of Earth-Tree; along with other officials and representatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Sunny Donkupar Mawiong said the project focuses on regenerating abandoned and deforested lands through sustainable tree plantations and ecological restoration techniques.
Chief Forest Officer FW Blah explained that the initiative will incorporate agroforestry models in suitable areas by planting both timber and fruit-bearing trees. He added that Earth-Tree will also assist in developing tourist spots in areas with eco-tourism potential.
Blah further stated that after five years, the JHADC could begin earning revenue through carbon credits if forest growth is maintained. “These carbon credits can be sold to companies looking to offset their emissions, creating a long-term source of income for the Council,” he noted.
Initial projections estimate the value of carbon credits could start at Rs 15,000 per hectare after five years, with the potential to grow steadily over the 40-year duration of the project.
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