MokokchungTimes.com
Nagaland, with one of the highest forest covers in the country, has often been seen as a potential hub for innovative environmental and economic programs. The state government’s recent plan to monetize surplus carbon credits and market them to industrialized states is, on paper, a promising way to strengthen the state’s small economy. Leveraging natural resources to generate revenue while promoting sustainable development is an attractive proposition, especially for a region with limited industrial presence.
However, history in Nagaland tempers optimism. Most ambitious and novel programs have struggled to deliver meaningful results. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited institutional capacity, lack of technical expertise, and poor monitoring mechanisms have repeatedly undermined even the most well-intentioned projects. The carbon credit program, while innovative, is no exception and faces similar challenges. Measurement, reporting, and verification of carbon sequestration are complex tasks. Market volatility, dependence on external buyers, and high operational costs make revenue uncertain. There is also the risk of inequity, where benefits may be captured by larger companies or intermediaries, leaving local communities with limited gains.
That said, abandoning the idea outright would be premature. The potential for revenue and environmental benefits cannot be ignored. The way forward must include careful planning, realistic goal-setting, and institutional strengthening. The state should start small, perhaps piloting carbon credit projects in select districts with robust monitoring and community involvement. Partnerships with technical experts, NGOs, and private enterprises can help build capacity and ensure transparency. Most importantly, local communities must be active participants rather than passive beneficiaries to ensure equitable distribution of benefits.
Nagaland’s forests are a national and global asset. If managed prudently, carbon credit initiatives could provide a new model for sustainable economic growth. But without rigorous oversight, adequate planning, and genuine community engagement, history suggests that even this promising program may struggle to rise above ambition and aspiration.