Appropriate Measures for Conservation of Terrestrial Carbon Stocks: Analysis of Trends of Forest Management in Southeast Asia

background

The ASEAN countries of Southeast Asia have seen rapid deforestation and subsequent carbon losses in the past few decades, as lands are cleared for other land uses. This study analyzes the implications of different land management scenarios on carbon stocks.

research goal & methods

First, this study created a model of current land use trends beginning in 1980. Then the study created three different forest management scenarios: 1) continuation of the current rates of exploitation, 2) management for long-term economic gains, and 3) climate-beneficial management. Finally, the impact of each scenario on carbon stocks was estimated using a carbon balance model. 

conclusions & takeaways

The study demonstrates how a climate-beneficial management scenario would lead to the greatest long-term protection of carbon stocks. However, carbon credit may be necessary to make this scenario financially feasible. The study also points out that reduction of illegal logging and over-cutting is another step that ASEAN governments could take that would have a very large impact on carbon stocks in these countries.