Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation · PIB Delhi · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
Introduction:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has been following System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), endorsed by the United Nations Statistical Commission. Since 2018, MoSPI has been started working on various aspects of the environment accounts. Given the wide scope of this work, a clear strategic roadmap was needed. Accordingly, NSO, MoSPI released the ‘Strategy for Environmental-Economic Accounts in India 2022–2026’ to guide the development of environmental accounting in India wherein certain areas were identified, such as Material Flow Accounts (MFAs), Ocean Accounts, Energy Accounts, and Thematic Accounts for Biodiversity and Urban Areas to work upon for the said period. Accordingly, MoSPI has initiated work on various aspects of environmental accounting and has initiated studies, brought out publications and reports covering areas such as forests, biodiversity, wetlands, ocean accounts, soil, water quality, croplands, energy, residuals, urban ecosystems and pollination services. The Ministry is also undertaken efforts to expand and strengthen the coverage of Environmental Accounts.
About the strategy document 2026-30:
In order to effectively measure and monitor such a vast and evolving domain of environment accounting, to build upon the efforts and advancements made so far, it is essential to establish a forward-looking strategic framework for the further development of Environmental Accounts. The strategy document would delineate key action points and the steps required to progress towards the desired outcomes, address data gaps, advance and expand the coverage of accounts, and identify priority areas and milestones to guide implementation and monitor progress Hence, MoSPI has compiled and released a document titled” Strategy for Environmental Economic Accounts in India 2026–2030”.
The current document titled ‘Strategy for Environmental Economic Accounts in India: 2026-2030’ is an extension of the earlier document and is intended to provide a broad road-map with a objective of covering new subjects or enhancement of scope of the subjects like forest, minerals, soil resources, land, water, carbon stock, Environmental related activities, Biodiversity, environment statistics etc. for the development of environmental accounting in India. These areas are mainly selected on the basis of recommendations mentioned in the report of “Green National Account in India A Framework” and the SEEA-CF framework.
The document is comprehensive and elaborative in nature and provides an overview of India’s journey in the field of environmental accounting. It highlights the initiatives undertaken by MoSPI to address existing data gaps, advance the development of environmental-economic accounting, potential data sources, the policy implications and establish a clear action plan for the coming years.
Utility of the Strategy Document for Stakeholders:
The developments under System of National Accounts 2025, particularly the recognition of natural resource accounting within the national accounting framework, strengthen the importance of environmental accounting. Subjects /area covered under this roadmap will provide opportunity to better understand the links between natural resources, the economy and the environment. The Strategic Framework will also help in identifying and addressing data gaps in these areas.
The document is envisaged to serve as a useful reference and guiding framework for individual States and Union Territories that may wish to initiate or strengthen their work in the area of environmental accounting. This Strategy document is a guidance tool that is self-evolving in nature. Overall, the strategy document provides a direction for the development of environmental accounting in India during the period 2026-30 for strengthening the statistical and accounting ecosystem and for facilitating a more systematic and coordinated approach towards environmental-economic accounting.
The Discussion paper is available at the Ministry’s website www.mospi.gov.in | Scan the QR code to access the Discussion Paper |
This is an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), reproduced as issued.
