Carbon sequestration in the Mediterranean Ecoregion forests in Türkiye towards macro-scale planning

Abstract

Quantification and evaluation of carbon sequestration in forests within the scope of macro-scale planning is important in terms of maintaining and monitoring forestry activities. These sustainable and carbon-optimized forestry activities increase carbon sequestration without damaging the natural ecosystem structure, in areas where carbon sequestration is low, and contribute additionally to the mitigation of greenhouse gases. In this study, carbon sequestration for forests in the Mediterranean Ecoregion of Türkiye was calculated and mapped using stand volume values and internationally accepted coefficients. In this study, (1) average carbon stock per hectare for deciduous and coniferous trees at the forestry administrative borders, (2) average carbon stock per hectare for deciduous (pure or mainly deciduous tree species) and coniferous (pure or mainly coniferous tree species) stands in the region; and (3) average biomass carbon stock according to stand age and canopy for Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) and black pine (P. nigra Arnold) were calculated. The average above-ground biomass carbon stock according to forest stand types in Forest Sub-District Directorates is 36.12 tons C/ha for normal closed (more than 10% covered) coniferous stands and 20.13 tons C/ha for normal closed deciduous stands. Çzde3 and Çze3 stands for Turkish red pine, and Çkde3 and Çke3 stands for black pine, which provide the highest carbon sequestration. The results of this study can be used for the selection of species and silvicultural practices in terms of carbon stock, taking into account the natural structure of ecosystems. In addition, the carbon stock potential of non-dominant species in the stand was evaluated for the first time in this study. This information will support the conservation of these species in mixtures. Finally, it will also ensure that the stand carbon stock differences between the forestry sub-districts are taken into account in activities such as increasing carbon sequestration and carbon management efforts, taking measures, or intervening in problems.

Keywords

• carbon storage
• forest management
• macro scale planning
• systematic conservation planning
• ecosystem services
• karbon tutumu
• orman amenajmanı
• üst ölçekli planlama
• sistematik koruma planlaması
• ekosistem hizmetleri