Carbon Credit: Concept and Structure in Context to Mangroves of Lower Gangetic Delta

Mangrove carbon credit system presents a dual opportunity for economic growth and environmental security, especially in the Indian Sundarbans. By monetizing mangroves’ carbon sequestration, this system can incentivize ecosystem preservation and restoration, offering financial benefits to local communities. Mangrove carbon trading enables countries and corporations to offset emissions by investing in mangrove projects, converting stored carbon into tradeable credits. This process requires rigorous assessment of a forest’s carbon storage using scientific surveys and advanced technologies, translating the carbon dioxide-equivalent values into marketable credits. Mangrove-based innovative livelihoods like food products, and fish feed from specific mangrove species can also be a part of the credit programme to achieve sustainability of the mangrove carbon trading in the LGD. However, challenges exist. Ensuring the permanence of carbon storage is difficult due to environmental threats like sea level rise, erosion, and pollution. Accurate measurement and monitoring of sequestration are complex, necessitating robust methodologies and legal frameworks. Additionally, the carbon market’s volatility, influenced by fluctuating demand and regulatory changes, introduces price instability, making investment in mangrove restoration uncertain. The lack of standardized protocols further complicates market dynamics. To address these challenges, international collaboration is essential to establish transparent methodologies and stronger regulatory frameworks. Despite these hurdles, mangrove carbon trading has high possibility to open the gateway of sustainable economic and environmental benefits.