TITLE:
Estimation of Carbon Emission Reductions by Managing Dry Mixed Deciduous Forest: Case Study in Popa Mountain Park
AUTHORS:
Yu Ya Aye, Savent Pampasit, Chanin Umponstira, Kanita Thanacharoenchanaphas, Nophea Sasaki
KEYWORDS:
Baseline Deforestation, Carbon Revenues, Emission Reductions, Deforestation, Forest Degradation, Myanmar
JOURNAL NAME:
Low Carbon Economy,
Vol.5 No.2,
June
27,
2014
ABSTRACT: Global efforts in
mitigating climate change are increasingly important as more evidence of
climate change impact is apparent. Reducing carbon emissions under the United
Nations’ reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation,
conservation of carbon stocks, sustainable management of forests, and
enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) have multiple implications for
climate change mitigation and sustainable development. However, implementing
REDD+ project requires understanding of the magnitude of emissions in the
absence of project activities (baseline) and vice versa (projectline). This
study attempted to estimate carbon emission reductions by reducing
deforestation in dry mixed deciduous forests in Popa Mountain Park in Myanmar.
Baseline deforestation was determined using the 1989-2005 forest cover data,
while carbon stocks were derived from forest inventory data. Our results show
that about 25% to 63% of forest area in the study site will be lost between
2013 and 2043 if no REDD+ project is implemented. Our study results suggest
that managing4220 haof dry mixed deciduous forest in Popa Mountain Park could
reduce emissions of about 104023.8 - 241991.0 tCO2 over a 30-year project cycle or about
3467 - 8066 tCO2 annually
depending on deforestation rates. In terms of carbon revenues, the project
would generate about US $349503.3 - $846968.6 per 30 years or US $11650.1 -
$28232.3 annually depending on the assumption of carbon price. It is therefore
important that carbon financing be made available to protect the forests in the
Popa Mountain Park as well as other parts in Myanmar.