Estimating the aboveground carbon sequestration and its economic value (case study: Iranian Caspian forests)

Abstract

The aim of the study is to estimate the aboveground carbon sequestration and to determine the economic value of forests in carbon sequestration as a way of mitigating climate change. This research was conducted at Asalem forests in the north of Iran. In order to estimate the amount of annual carbon sequestration, the annual volume growth of stand was determined using the diameter increment data and tariff. The amount of carbon sequestration was estimated based on wood density and using the allometric equation. The carbon model was obtained for each species. The value of sequestrated carbon in stumpage and the net present value of carbon sequestration were determined in order to estimate the economic value of carbon sequestration. Results indicated that the annual volume growth per hectare and the carbon stored are 6.023 m3.yr-1 and 2.307 t.ha-1, respectively. Finally, the carbon sequestration value of stumpage and the net present value of carbon sequestration are 11,023.753 and 790.361 (10,000 IRR.t-1.ha-1), respectively. Our results are very useful in estimating the total economic value of Asalem forests and other Iranian Caspian forests in the future.

Keywords

• allometric equation
• economic value of carbon
• density of wood
• forest inventory