India's First Study on Teal Carbon

India has conducted the first study on teal carbon at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan.

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Key Highlights

• Teal Carbon:Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands (e.g., peatlands, swamps, and marshes), including vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved and particulate organic matter.
• Teal Carbon is a colour-based terminology that reflects the classification of organic carbon based on its functions and location rather than its physical properties.
• It contributes to an increase in the groundwater level, flood mitigation, and heat island reduction, supporting sustainable urban adaptation.

 

Importance of Wetlands in Climate Change Mitigation

• Wetlands play an important role in regulating, capturing, and storing greenhouse gases but are vulnerable to pollution, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation by sequestering CO2.

 

Key Study Findings

• Conservation of Ecological Balance: After degradation, wetlands release greenhouse gases such as methane and CO2 into the atmosphere. The study emphasises the conservation and management of ecological balance.
• Methane (CH4) Emissions: The study highlighted the raised levels of methane in the Keoladeo National Park, underlining the necessary measures like biochar application to reduce methane emissions.

 

About Keoladeo National Park (KNP)

• Keoladeo National Park is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
• It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.