Home > Research Programmes > Cross-continental research project

Print version

Cross-Continental Research Project

Assessment of forest biomass and carbon stocks for REDD preparation in ACP member countries

Forests in the ACP countries are characterised by high species diversity and heterogeneity in structure, age and function. They have been subject to different deforestation rates depending on country and situation. The degradation of forests through logging, mining, natural and other anthropogenic causes has contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Forest conditions after logging vary and degradation is estimated to be moderate to severe, depending on country and situation.

In preparing to apply new mechanisms to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD), the ACP countries of the FORENET project lack any recognised regional or national systems for carbon accounting, in particular for quantifying carbon stocks and emissions from different sources and for regulation of carbon trading.

REDD demonstration activities will be developed in each ACP member country with the objective of contributing to the reduction of GHG emissions from forest loss. The research will provide at the same time opportunities for capacity building in the improvement of forest management and optimising value from forests with key stakeholders and the resource owners within these regions.

A cross-continental project is proposed here, based on common interests in climate change mitigation among ACP member countries, and the intent to strengthen networking among forest research institutions of the ACP countries. This proposal has direct implications for the development of national carbon data management systems and national REDD policies.

Main objective: Strengthening forestry research network in the field of forest and climate change mitigation

Specific objectives

1. To reinforce institutional capacity in conducting forest biomass and carbon assessments
2. To develop, implement and maintain a common procedure to readily assess regional forestry resources in term of aboveground biomass and carbon stocks
3. To use the research data gathered to develop regional allometric equations for more reliable estimation of regional and national carbon stocks in aboveground biomass