Monitoring carbon sequestration benefits associated with a reduced-impact logging project in Malaysia

Abstract

The Reduced-Impact Logging Project, a pilot carbon offset project, was initiated in 1992 when a power company provided funds to a timber concessionaire to implement timber-harvesting guidelines in dipterocarp forest. The rationale for the offset is that when logging damage is reduced, more carbon is retained in living trees, and, because soil damage is minimized, forest productivity remains high. To estimate the carbon benefit associated with implementation of harvesting guidelines, a monitoring program was developed based on 1) field studies for measuring carbon stocks and flows; 2) a computer model of forest carbon dynamics for simulating various combinations of harvesting intensity and damage; and, 3) a projection model for calculating carbon balance over the project lifespan.

Description

Keywords

biomass, carbon offsets, logging damage, Malaysia, monitoring program, simulation model, tropical forest

Citation

Pinard, M., & Putz, F. (1997). Monitoring carbon sequestration benefits associated with a reduced-impact logging project in Malaysia. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2, 203-215.