<h4>Introduction to Green GDP and Chhattisgarh's Initiative</h4><p>The concept of <strong>Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP)</strong> integrates environmental factors into traditional economic accounting.</p><p>It aims to reflect the true economic well-being of a nation by accounting for the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation.</p><h4>Chhattisgarh: A Pioneer in Environmental Accounting</h4><p><strong>Chhattisgarh</strong> has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the <strong>first state in India</strong> to formally link its <strong>forest ecosystem</strong> to its <strong>Green GDP</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>This initiative signifies a progressive step towards recognizing the economic value of natural capital and its contribution to the state's economy.</p></div><h4>Understanding the Linkage</h4><p>Linking the forest ecosystem to Green GDP means assigning a monetary value to the services provided by forests.</p><p>These services include carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and provision of non-timber forest produce, among others.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The move by <strong>Chhattisgarh</strong> highlights a shift from purely quantitative economic growth to a more <strong>qualitative and sustainable development model</strong>.</p></div><h4>Implications for Policy and Governance</h4><p>This linkage provides policymakers with a more holistic view of economic performance, enabling better decision-making for sustainable resource management.</p><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>This topic is crucial for <strong>UPSC Mains GS-III (Economy and Environment)</strong>, particularly questions on sustainable development, environmental economics, and state initiatives.</p></div>