EnviStats India 2024: Environment Statistics

On September 30, 2024, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 7th edition of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts.”

1. This publication follows the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework, which is an internationally recognized standard for compiling environmental economic accounts.

Key Features of the Publication

1. Ocean Accounts: The current report introduces a new section on Ocean Accounts, providing a framework for compiling data on ocean health and condition.
2. Collaboration: The report benefited from the expertise of an Expert Group on Ocean Ecosystem Accounts, which includes members from various ministries and organizations.
3. Energy Accounts: It includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, utilizing data from several ministries.
4. Soil Nutrient Index: Updated values for the Soil Nutrient Index are based on data collected for Soil Health Cards for 2023-24.
5. Biodiversity Information: The report covers taxonomic diversity, the status of leopards and snow leopards, and genetic conservation efforts.

Highlights from EnviStats India 2024

1. Protected Areas: A 72% increase in the number of protected areas and a 16% increase in their total area from 2000 to 2023.
2. Mangrove Coverage: An 8% increase in mangrove coverage from 2013 to 2021. Mangroves are vital components of the ocean ecosystem.
3. Biodiversity Data: The report includes data on the diversity of flora and fauna in India and the status of threatened species based on the IUCN Red List.

About the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA):

1. SEEA is an international statistical standard that describes the relationship between the economy and the environment, focusing on the stocks and changes in environmental assets.
2. Components: SEEA has 2 main parts:
   1. SEEA-Central Framework (SEEA-CF): Concentrates on individual environmental components that support economic activities.
   2. SEEA-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA): Complements SEEA-CF by organizing data on habitats, measuring ecosystem services, and linking this information to economic activities.

About Mangroves:

Mangroves are dense, salt-tolerant forests found along tropical and subtropical coastlines. They cover approximately 4,740 square kilometers and provide significant ecological and economic benefits to coastal areas.

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