South Asia
REDD+ Readiness Implications for Sri Lanka in Terms of Reducing DeforestationBackgroundThis study constructs a historical reference level of emissions from deforestation in Sri Lanka using available forest inventory data and in situ carbon density data. It also attempts to identify drivers of deforestation in Sri Lanka and to estimate the opportunity cost and possible climate benefits of forest conservation. Open access copy available |
Structural Properties of Two Types of Mangrove Stands on the Northwestern Coast of Sri LankabackgroundThis article compares the structural diversity of six mangrove stands of both estuarine and island-fringing types in Puttalam lagoon and Dutch Bay in northwestern Sri Lanka. Research Goals & MethodsUsing belt transects, the authors measured floristic composition, tree height and leaf-area index and calculated density, basal area and mean stand diameter. Standing above-ground biomass was also measured and compared to dbh using destructive sampling methods. Available with subscription or purchase |
Carbon sequestration versus bioenergy: A case study from South India exploring the relative land-use efficiency of two options for climate change mitigationbackgroundThis study explores avenues to meet increased rural electricity demand with carbon emissions mitigation. The study compares the option of energy derived from gasification of biomass from forest plantations to energy derived from fossil fuels, with forest plantations used as a carbon sink.The case study uses power demand, land requirements, and management approaches for Hosahalli village, Karnataka, pop. 218. Available with subscription or purchase |
Forest conservation, afforestation, and reforestation in India: Implications for forest carbon stocksBackgroundConsidering India’s goal to have 1/3 of their land area forested by 2012, this article assesses the implications of past and current forest conservation and regeneration policies and carbon stock programs. Open access copy available |
A review of the floral composition and distribution of mangroves in Sri LankaBackgroundThe article reviews literature on the numbers and distributions of Sri Lankan mangrove species and highlights the causes of overestimation. It also attempts to provide an accurate count based on standardized fieldwork over a 4-year period along the coast between Palatupana and Puttalam, Sri Lanka. The authors name some examples of mischaracterized or misidentified species from previous studies and address the importance of clearly defining the terms for mangroves. Open access copy available |
Assessing the Mitigation Potential of Forestry Activities in a Changing Climate: A Case Study for KarnatakaBackgroundThe Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol has two goals: promote climate mitigation activities that offset carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, and promote sustainable economic development. Afforestation and reforestation (A/R) projects can often meet these two goals simultaneously. India, which ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, has sought to implement A/R projects as part of the CDM. Available with subscription or purchase |
Ectomycorrhizal Colonization and Seedling Growth of Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) Species in Simulated Shade Environments of a Sri Lankan Rain ForestBackgroundThis study examines how the degree of ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonization of potted Shorea spp. is associated with the amount and quality of daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD). Available with subscription or purchase |
Variation in Canopy Structure, Light and Soil Nutrition Across Elevation of a Sri Lankan Tropical Rain ForestBackgroundThis study aims to examine differences in resource availability across elevation and geology in mixed dipterocarp forest by measuring light, soil nutrition and soil water availability in relation to forest structure in southwest Sri Lanka. Available with subscription or purchase |
Spatial Interpolation of Carbon Stock: A Case Study from the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, IndiaBackgroundThis study in the Anamalai Hills of the Western Ghats estimates the biomass and carbon stock of major tropical forest types in India and attempts to identify suitable interpolation techniques to map carbon stock. Open access copy available |
Carbon stock in Kolli forests, Eastern Ghats (India) with emphasis on aboveground biomass, litter, woody debris and soilsbackgroundCarbon estimates for India’s forests are inadequate because they are largely based on secondary data. While actual carbon estimates exist in some locales, a nationwide carbon inventory is needed. This study contributes an evaluation of above- and belowground biomass and carbon stocks in the Kolli Hills of the Eastern Ghats, Tamilnadu. Open access copy available |
