Experts propose 'carbon bank' to monetise Maharashtra's ecological wealth

Experts have proposed setting up a dedicated 'Maharashtra Carbon Bank' based on the state's natural ecological assets to create a framework for monetising its ecological wealth while strengthening climate resilience.

Speaking at the Bamboo Economy & Sustainability Summit 2026 here on Sunday, B N Kumar, director of NatConnect Foundation, proposed a 'Green-Blue Carbon Coalition' to bring bamboo, mangroves, wetlands and forests under a unified system for carbon measurement, certification and credit generation.

The proposed coalition would identify and map carbon-rich natural assets, assess their carbon stocks and sequestration potential, verify the data through scientific protocols and develop a pipeline of certified carbon assets that could participate in emerging carbon markets, Kumar said while presenting the concept.

He said the proposal sought to move beyond viewing forests, wetlands, mangroves and bamboo only as ecological resources and recognise their economic value as climate assets.

The proposed carbon bank could also help direct revenues generated through carbon markets towards conservation, restoration and local communities, Kumar said.

The proposal comes as India develops its domestic carbon market under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.

Kumar said Maharashtra, with its extensive mangroves, wetlands, bamboo resources and green cover, could explore an integrated model linking nature conservation with the emerging carbon economy.

The Green-Blue Carbon Coalition could serve as an institutional bridge connecting nature, science, finance and climate action, he said.