Assessment of Carbon Stock in Grassland Ecosystems of Maharashtra

Capacity Building and Training of Forest Officers and Frontline Staff for Assessment of Carbon Stock in the Grassland Ecosystem for Developing a Carbon Finance Project in Maharashtra

In April 2025, TERI, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, successfully conducted a comprehensive capacity-building workshop in Nashik focused on assessing carbon stocks in grassland ecosystems. This initiative aims to unlock the potential of Maharashtra's grasslands as vital carbon sinks, contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable land management.

The three-day program equipped forest officers and frontline staff with practical skills in measuring and analyzing the three major carbon pools:

• Above Ground Biomass
• Below Ground Biomass
• Soil Organic Carbon

Through classroom sessions and hands-on field training at Mamdapur Conservation Reserve, Nashik, Maharashtra, participants gained expertise in standardized carbon assessment methodologies, geospatial tools, and project development processes for carbon finance.

This project underscores Maharashtra's enormous potential to develop innovative carbon finance initiatives, leveraging its rich grassland ecosystems. The outcomes not only support climate mitigation efforts but also foster biodiversity conservation, community livelihoods, and sustainable land use practices.

By building local capacity and fostering scientific understanding, this initiative sets the foundation for future carbon credit projects under global standards like VERRA and Gold Standards. It exemplifies a strategic step towards integrating ecological health with climate action, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for Maharashtra.