Official UPSC Format

Which one of the following is the first Plan Vivo certified Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in India ?

⚡ Quick Recall Snippet

In the domain of climate mitigation, the Khasi Hills Community REDD+ Project in Meghalaya holds historic significance. It is officially recognized as India's first REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) initiative to receive certification under the prestigious, community-focused Plan Vivo Standard.

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Detailed Solution & Authority Citations

Correct Answer is Option C
Let us evaluate the history of community-based carbon financing in India:
  • The Mechanism: REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) is a UN-backed mechanism to financially reward developing countries for saving their forests. Plan Vivo is a specific, rigorous global standard ensuring these projects are run by, and financially benefit, local indigenous communities rather than massive corporations.

  • The Correct Project (Option C): The Khasi Hills Community REDD+ Project is officially documented as India’s first Plan Vivo certified REDD+ project. Located in the Umiam River watershed of Meghalaya, it is managed by a federation of 10 indigenous Khasi tribal kingdoms. They use carbon credit financing to protect ancient sacred groves and restore degraded cloud forests through Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR).

  • The Distractors: While Uttarakhand (Option A) and Sikkim (Option D) have strong forestry sectors and have conducted REDD+ readiness pilots, they do not hold the title of the first Plan Vivo certified project. Option B is a broad, multi-national capacity-building initiative, not a localized community carbon project.
    • Conclusion: The Khasi Hills initiative is the historical first.

    🚨 The Examiner's Trap

    The examiner provides other prominent Himalayan and North-Eastern regions (Uttarakhand, Sikkim) known for heavy forest cover and eco-tourism to confuse candidates who vaguely remember the project is located 'somewhere in the mountains'.

    Active Recall Flashcard

    Tap to Flip

    Which indigenous community-led initiative in Meghalaya holds the distinction of being India's first Plan Vivo certified REDD+ project?

    The Khasi Hills Community REDD+ project.

    Concept Flow Mapping

    Khasi Hills Community Project
    Is Certified By
    Plan Vivo Standard
    Khasi Hills Community Project
    Located In
    Meghalaya
    Khasi Hills Community Project
    Is A
    REDD+ Initiative

    Logic Quest

    "What is the significance of 'Plan Vivo' certification?"

    Not analyzing core concepts like Community-Based Carbon Financing through the lens of Previous Year Questions is a serious miss-out. This PYQ engine is specifically designed to help you decode the examiner's mindset and master highly probable Environment & Ecology questions for your upcoming Prelims.