Central Government Launches 'Green Credit Programme' and Ecomark Scheme to Promote Environment-Friendly Activities
Explore the Central Government's innovative initiatives, the Green Credit Program (GCP) and Ecomark Scheme, designed to incentivize eco-friendly practices and products while supporting the 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement.
Introduction
In the year 2021, the Hon'ble Prime Minister unveiled the 'LiFE' - 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement, marking a significant step towards environmental conservation. To breathe life into this vision, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced two pioneering initiatives: the Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme. These initiatives aim to encourage eco-friendly practices deeply rooted in tradition and conservation, supporting the broader mission of fostering a sustainable lifestyle for the environment.
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| Central Government launches 'Green Credit Programme' and Ecomark Scheme to promote environment-friendly activities |
Central Government Launches 'Green Credit Programme' (GCP)
The Green Credit Program (GCP), notified on October 13, 2023, is an innovative, market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across various sectors. It engages a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies, in promoting sustainable practices.
The Governance Structure
The GCP's governance structure is robust, supported by an inter-ministerial steering committee. The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) assumes the role of the administrator, overseeing program implementation, management, monitoring, and operations.
Focus Areas
In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two major activities:
1. Water Conservation: Addressing the critical need for water conservation, the GCP promotes responsible water management practices.
2. Afforestation: Encouraging afforestation efforts to combat deforestation and enhance green cover.
Additionally, the Green Credit Program comprises eight major activities:
- Tree Planting
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Waste Management
- Air Pollution Reduction
- Mangrove Conservation and Restoration
- Sustainable Fisheries
- Renewable Energy Projects
- Conservation of Wildlife and Biodiversity
User-Friendly Digital Platform
To streamline project registration, verification, and green credit issuance, a user-friendly digital platform has been developed. The Green Credit Registry and Trading Platform, created by ICFRE with expert input, facilitates registration, purchase, and sale of green credits.
Tradable Green Credit Certificate
Upon successful verification, the Administrator issues a Green Credit Certificate, which is tradable on the Green Credit platform, encouraging further participation.
Ecomark Scheme
The Ecomark Scheme, also notified on October 13, 2023, focuses on eco-friendly products. It empowers consumers to make environmentally conscious choices while purchasing household and consumer items.
Accreditation and Labeling
The Ecomark Scheme provides accreditation and labeling for products that meet specific environmental criteria while adhering to quality standards in line with Indian norms. This ensures minimal environmental impact while maintaining product quality.
Motivating Manufacturers
By recognizing and promoting eco-friendly production, the Ecomark Scheme encourages manufacturers to move towards more sustainable and environmentally responsible production practices.
Accurate Labeling
The scheme aims to ensure accurate labeling, preventing misleading information about products, and fostering consumer trust in eco-friendly choices.
Partnership for Implementation
The Central Pollution Control Board operates the Ecomark scheme in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the national body for standards and certification, ensuring that products meet the highest quality and environmental standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I get involved in the Green Credit Program (GCP)?
Individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies can participate by registering their eco-friendly projects on the GCP's user-friendly digital platform.
Q: What are the focus areas of the Green Credit Program?
The GCP focuses on water conservation, afforestation, and eight major activities, including tree planting, sustainable agriculture, waste management, and more.
Q: How can I verify the green credits earned through the GCP?
The Administrator provides a Green Credit Certificate upon verification, which can be traded on the Green Credit platform.
Q: What is the aim of the Ecomark Scheme?
The Ecomark Scheme encourages the use of eco-friendly products and empowers consumers to make informed choices while ensuring that products adhere to specific environmental norms and quality standards.
Q: Who operates the Ecomark Scheme?
The Central Pollution Control Board operates the Ecomark scheme in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Q: How can the Ecomark Scheme benefit manufacturers?
By recognizing eco-friendly production, the scheme motivates manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint.
Conclusion
The Central Government's launch of the Green Credit Program and Ecomark Scheme represents a significant stride towards promoting eco-friendly practices and products. These initiatives not only encourage responsible environmental actions but also empower consumers to make informed, eco-conscious choices. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and conservation, they contribute to the 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement, making India a greener and more sustainable nation.
