World Bank Launches $225.5 Million Initiative to Revitalize Forests in Tripura and Nagaland

The World Bank recently approved the $225.5 million Enhancing Landscape and Ecosystem Management (ELEMENT) Project, which aims to restore over 100,000 hectares of forests in Tripura and Nagaland, benefiting over 700,000 people in 400 villages. With forests covering nearly 1.5 million hectares, these states are heavily dependent on forest ecosystems for livelihoods, especially among tribal communities. However, dwindling forest cover threatens biodiversity and community well-being.

Goals of the ELEMENT Project

The ELEMENT Project adopts a holistic approach to forest management, addressing various landscapes such as grasslands, wetlands, and farmlands to maximize community benefits. Key objectives include:

• Reducing 435,000 tons of carbon emissions annually.

• Promoting sustainable forest-based value chains like bamboo, agarwood, and honey.

• Supporting forest-based entrepreneurship and creating 60,000 jobs for youth and women.

• Strengthening water conservation and climate resilience.

• Enhancing national parks and protected areas, including nature-based tourism infrastructure.

“This project is a step toward leveraging forests for economic growth, carbon sequestration, and sustainable livelihoods,” said Auguste Tano Kouamé, the World Bank’s Country Director for India.

Opportunities in Carbon Credits and Forest-Based Economy

The ELEMENT Project complements emerging opportunities in carbon credits and sustainable investment in the region. As highlighted in Nagaland: The Carbon Credit Frontier, Nagaland’s forests are positioned to attract global investments through carbon credit initiatives. Such mechanisms, paired with private-sector partnerships, provide additional income streams for local communities and bolster inclusive growth.

By integrating conservation with economic incentives, this initiative underscores the potential of forests to drive development while combating climate change. With support from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and a complementary $2.4 million PROGREEN grant, the ELEMENT Project promises long-term ecological and socio-economic benefits for the region.

For more insights, explore the World Bank press release.