Integrating Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) for Carbon Sequestration Monitoring in Tropical Watershed

Abstract

The watershed has many functions related to ecosystem protection. The existence of vegetation in the watershed can absorb some carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. In fact, this carbon sequestration potential is declining due to vegetated land conversion phenomena. Therefore, monitoring carbon sequestration in this area needs to be done. However, it faces a problem due to the large size of the watershed area in a tropical region, so carbon sequestration cannot be measured by field-measurement. By combining RS and GIS, the carbon sequestration in a large watershed can be measured frequently to solve the problem. This research aims to analyze the dynamic change of carbon sequestration in Upper Bengawan Solo from 2000 until 2020. In this research, carbon sequestration was modelled using the Net Primary Productivity (NPP). NPP was measured by using the CASA method used Landsat Imagery and Meteorological Data from Meteorological Agency of Indonesia (BMKG). The results show that the carbon sequestration in Upper Bengawan Solo over 20 years decreased. The most significant decrease happens in the sub-urban area surrounding the urban area in Surakarta city. It indicates an environmental change in this watershed due to physical or human interference during this period. Meanwhile, by using RS and GIS, the spatial distribution of carbon sequestration change can be known, so it can be used to pinpoint the location which needs prior attention based on the higher level of these changes. This research implies that combining RS and GIS can help carbon sequestration monitoring be quicker and cost-limited.