PESHAWAR: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) announced on Thursday that it had completed its first-ever forest carbon credit mapping, identifying over two million hectares of land for potential projects that could generate $4 billion in revenue and create more than 50,000 jobs.
Carbon credits are tradable permits that allow countries or companies to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases (GHGs). These credits can be bought and sold in international markets, helping polluters offset their emissions by supporting environmentally friendly initiatives.
Forest carbon credit mapping involves the use of satellite imagery, drones, and data analysis to measure forest coverage and assess how much carbon is being absorbed by trees. This information helps identify forest areas suitable for launching carbon credit projects.
The mapping results were unveiled during a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, where KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur officially launched the Forest Carbon Credit Mapping Report.
“Using advanced technology, the mapping has identified 10 potential projects covering 2.2 million hectares of forest land across the province,” said a statement from the chief minister’s office. “These projects could absorb more than 400 million tons of carbon.”
According to the report, the projects could bring in $4 billion in revenue and help create over 50,000 green jobs. Chief Minister Gandapur described the mapping as a “comprehensive model” for promoting environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social development in the province.
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“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds 46 percent of the country’s total forest area,” Gandapur noted. “Our forests have the potential to absorb up to 50 percent of Pakistan’s carbon emissions.”
He added that the province expects to earn approximately $100 million annually through carbon credit initiatives and that efforts are underway to expand forest cover even further.
Pakistan remains among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Since June 26, heavy monsoon rains have claimed nearly 190 lives and left many injured across the country.