Thailand’s Urban Forestry Programs Are Assisted by Calculations of Their Ecological Properties and Economic Values

Abstract

Forests are the largest carbon sinks in the world. They play a crucial role in mitigating climate change through carbon storage. Assessing carbon storage in forests is essential for policy formulation, management planning, and as a strategy to reduce the impacts of global warming. The aims of this research were to explore plant diversity, assess tree biomass, and evaluate carbon storage and carbon credits in urban forestry areas under the Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER). The study was conducted in the forested area of Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus, Thailand, and encompassed 60.96 ha. The methodology involved the creation of 10 temporary sample plots, each measuring 40 × 40 m. We then surveyed the species types and measured tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and the total height. Biomass was calculated using allometric equations and the stored carbon was quantified. In this study, we identified 85 species of plants. The analysis of tree biomass averaged 23,1781.25 kg/ha or 231.81 ton/ha. The carbon storage was estimated to be 108.94 tC/ha. When aggregating the data for the entire project, the total carbon storage amounted to 6851.55, with an equivalent carbon sequestration capacity of 25,122 tCO2e in the base year (baseline). We calculated that the carbon storage capacity could increase to 28,741.00 tCO2e with proper maintenance of the urban forest area over a 10-year period, equivalent to a carbon sequestration capacity of 3619 tCO2e. This would result in a carbon credit value equivalent to USD 90,475.