Above-ground carbon stock and REDD+ opportunities of community-managed forests in northern Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the structure of two deciduous forests and assess their above-ground carbon stock in order to promote community forest management (CFM) for REDD+ opportunities in the Ban Mae Chiang Rai Lum Community Forest in northern Thailand. A systematic sampling method was used to establish twenty-five sample plots of 40 m × 40 m (0.16 ha) each that were used to survey the entire 3,925 ha area of the community forest. Cluster analysis identified two different forest types: dry dipterocarp forest and mixed deciduous forest. It was determined that the above-ground carbon stock did not vary significantly between them. An analysis of carbon sequestration in the community forest indicates that carbon stock increased under CFM from 2007 to 2018 by an estimated 28,928 t C and participation in the carbon market would have yielded approximately US $339,730.43 or US $8.66 /ha/year to the community for that 10-year period. Projections for 2028 reflect that carbon stock will experience continual growth which indicates that maintaining CFM can increase carbon sequestration and reduce CO2 emissions. However, though further growth of carbon stock in the community forest is expected into 2038, that growth would be at a lesser rate than during the preceding decade. This suggests that CFM management should address forest utilization practices with a focus on maintaining long term carbon stock growth. Additional measures to address the impact of drought conditions and to safeguard against forest fires are required to sustain tree species’ growth and expansion in order to increase their carbon accumulation potential. Thailand’s community forest involvement in REDD+ and participation in its international carbon market could create more economic opportunities for local communities.

The Impact on Ecosystem Services and the Satisfaction Therewith of Community Forest Management in Northern Thailand

“…However, this study also found that engagement in decision making was at a 'moderate' level, suggesting that it had a limited impact on species conservation and utilization (Figure 7). In analyzing the same area as this study, found that the rate of above-ground carbon sequestration would decrease from 2028-2038 under CFM when compared with the previous decade [109]. This highlights the importance of a long-term focus on all aspects of management participation to maximize the positive impact on ecosystem services for the sustained viability of the forest and its resources.…”

“…Collaborative management efforts between the government and local residents became more focused on forest plantations, fire protection and patrol, and the utilization of check dams. As a result, the community forest showed signs of restoration, and the damage caused by years of deforestation and degradation has been mitigated [109]. Plant density, growth rates, and the regeneration of plant species in the community forest increased in the study area under CFM.…”

Vegetation Structure and Carbon Storage of Natural and Restored Mixed Deciduous Forests in Western Thailand

“…Mixed deciduous forests (MDFs) are a type of tropical deciduous forest that comprises approximately 18.26% of Thailand's forest cover (Thammanu et al 2021). These forests exhibit considerable variation in their composition and structure, in uenced by a range of climatic and edaphic factors (Marod et al 1999;Baker and Bunyavejchewin 2017).…”

Forest structure and carbon stock of Suan Phueng Nature Education Park in Ratchaburi Province, Western Thailand

“…Thailand is one of the countries with the most abundant forest resources in Southeast Asia. Forests occupy 31.64% of the country's area (Thammanu et al 2021). The western part of the country occupies 19.67% of the total forest area, which dominantly occur in Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Kanchanaburi Province.…”