Context: India’s first study on teal carbon was conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan, which showcases the critical role of wetland conservation in addressing climate change challenges.

• The study depicted the potential of teal carbon as a tool to mitigate climate change, if the anthropogenic pollution in the wetlands can be controlled.

• Study also reveals elevated methane emissions can be reduced by use of a specialized type of biochar, which is a form of charcoal. 

About Teal Carbon

• Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands. This includes carbon sequestered in vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved as well as particulate organic matter.

• Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, encompassing carbon sequestered in vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved and particulate organic matter. 

• These ecosystems can store more carbon than terrestrial forests, making them highly effective for carbon capture and storage.

• Teal carbon is part of a color-based classification, focusing on the functions and location of organic carbon instead of its physical properties.

• In contrast, black and brown carbon are produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter and contribute to global warming.

• Global storage of teal carbon is estimated at 500.21 petagrams of carbon (PgC).

• Major sources include peatlands, freshwater swamps, and natural freshwater marshes.

• These wetlands contribute to groundwater level increases, flood mitigation, and urban heat island reduction.

• They are, however, vulnerable to threats like pollution, land-use changes, and water extraction.

• Significance: It contributes to an increase in the ground water level, flood mitigation and heat island reduction, supporting a sustainable urban adaptation.

About Keoladeo National Park (KNP)

• Located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park was declared a national park in 1982 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

• The park is home to over 370 species of birds, including migratory species like the Siberian crane and local fauna like Sambar, Nilgai, wild boar, and hyenas.

• The park’s significance stems from its strategic position on the Central Asian migratory flyway, attracting numerous birds, particularly in winter.

• It was added to the Montreux Record (Ramsar Convention) in 1990 due to environmental concerns such as water shortages and unbalanced grazing.

• Wildlife includes raptors, waterfowl, jackals, and other species like wild cats and pythons.

• Migratory birds make Keoladeo a key breeding and wintering ground, but the Siberian crane, once a regular visitor, has not been spotted in recent years.