Role of community managed forests in forest biomass & carbon sequestration: A case of Odisha (India)

Abstract

Tropical forests are known for their huge contribution to terrestrial carbon sequestration and global carbon cycle. Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) provides incentives to developing countries for positive elements of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. In view of these roles of forests, a study was conducted in Odisha to estimate the impact of community led management practices on forest biomass and carbon sequestration. The study was conducted in 13 forested villages of 5 selected blocks including community managed/treated sites and natural forest/control sites. Following a quadrate sampling approach, the study found that community managed sites have comparatively higher contribution to total biomass and carbon content. The green tree biomass was found in the range of 10-115 t/ha in case of community managed sites and 7-180 t/ha in case of control sites. The average biomass in case of community managed sites was 63.56 t/ha against 56.73 t/ha for control sites. Similarly, the average carbon content value for treated sites was 32.91 t/ha against 29.49 t/ha for control sites. Overall, the community managed forest sites showed 12% higher biomass and carbon content than that of the control sites.