Estimation of Carbon Sequestration in a Forest: A case study of Bhawal National Park, Gazipur

Abstract

Carbon sequestration is a global strategy of reducing atmospheric carbon to tackle global warming and climate change. Since the industrial revolution, the atmospheric carbon has been concentrating, therefore, global warming is speeding up and ecosystems are destroyed which increases the threat for global environmental sustainability. To limit global warming to 1.50C, COPs recommendation to be implemented particularly stop and restore forest loss, and line up the financial sector with net zero by 2050. Also, the Kyoto protocol explore the opportunity of carbon trading for developing countries like Bangladesh which is also reinforced by the net zero strategy of IPCC. To assess the forest carbon sequestration potentials, Bangladesh needs to accurately measure its storage carbon using statistical validated methods. Compared to ideal situations considering size and population, forest land is inadequate in Bangladesh as a result, to get global benefit, the country should manage the carbon pool by assessing periodically and managing accordingly. This study follows the randomized block design for sampling and data collection from 9 plots of 100 m2 each. Each individual tree of a sample plot measured and recorded and a total 240 trees measured to get its GBH and individual height. Study area covers the core area of Bhawal National Park which is a planted forest dominated by Sal tree (shorea robusta). From the study it has been observed that 3.345-million-ton Carbon sequestrate (equivalent to 12.276-million-ton CO2) in the core area of Bhawal National Park which is 940 hectares. Very few older plants are found in the Bhawal national park, most of them were coppicing plants. This study report might be beneficial for the potential forest researchers to estimate sequestrate carbon and to achieve net zero of carbon emission also, h elps to create a foundation of carbon trading, therefore, the country might be benefited.