Reducing Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Phnom Tbeng Forests

Abstract

Carbon emissions are the source of global climate change. Tropical deforestation was responsible for up to 25% of the global carbon emissions. Foreseeing the danger of losing tropical forests and impacts on local people and global climate change, world leaders have adopted the Copenhagen and Cancun Accords to fully recognize the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation, Conservation of Carbon Stocks, Sustainable Management of Forests and the Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks) scheme of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The REDD+ scheme provides financial incentives for any verified activities that result in reducing carbon emissions or increasing carbon stocks. Compensation can be made possible only when the amount of reduced emissions or increased carbon stocks is estimated. This study focuses on estimating the reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and discusses the benefit sharing for local people. Phnom Tbeng forest in the Preah Vihear province was selected as a study site. There are four types of forests, namely evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, deciduous and others forests covering 41,530 ha. Our results suggest that a carbon project in this site is likely to result in reduced carbon emissions of about 3.7 million tCO₂ over 30-year project. Depending on carbon price, carbon revenues would be US$ 19 million or US$ 0.6 million annually for a 30-year REDD+ project cycle. In addition to carbon revenues, there are other ecosystem benefits that well-protected forests will provide to local people. Designing appropriate policies and measures to reduce the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation along with law enforcement mechanism is essential for success of the forestry carbon project.