In a first, the Chhattisgarh state has introduced an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forests with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

• The moves aimed to highlight the direct link between significant environmental contributions of forests like clean air, water conservation, biodiversity and the state’s economic progress.
• The action plan is designed to ensure that economic development is achieved while preserving the pristine environment for future generations.
• The new approach assesses the often overlooked benefits that forests provide, such as regulating the climate, enriching soil quality, purifying water, absorbing carbon dioxide among others.
• These services will now be formally included in the state's economic planning.