Firms urged to plant trees for tax breaks and cut greenhouse gas

>> The Environment Ministry has begun a concerted push to encourage private firms to get involved in tree planting in community forest areas in return for tax incentives.

As part of the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gases, the tax plan is designed to foster conservation by the private sector under the national roadmap, Natural Resources and Environmental Minister Surasak Karnjanarat said yesterday. The aim was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030.

Gen Surasak said the ministry had discussed the tax plan with the Finance Ministry as it attempts to get private businesses on board with environmental efforts. “We got positive feedback from the Finance Ministry,” he said.

He said that under the Paris Agreement, Thailand would aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from usual levels, but this could be increased to 25% with financial and technological support from international agencies.

“We can get it down by 10% right now and we certainly can achieve the commitment level,” he said. “Over the next two years, there will be a significant change in the environment as many new laws will be enforced, including a charge of waste water treatment to households and more practical waste management.”

Gen Surasak said the Royal Forestry Department and the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation will verify forest planting projects and issue documentation for tax deductions, which is expected by next year. There are around 9,000 forest communities nationwide.

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning is preparing a Nationally Determined Contribution Roadmap 2021-30 to formalise the government’s commitment to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan will focus on the energy and transport sector, waste management and industrial practices and product use. Those are the main groups that are ready and willing to help to reduce greenhouse gases.