ESTIMATING THE CARBON STOCK POTENITAL OF TRADATIONALLY MANAGED KARKARO FOREST IMPLICATIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION IN MALLEWOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA M.

Abstract

Forests can capture and retain enormous amount of carbon over long period of time. Carbondioxide is one of the major gases that contribute for climate change impacts.In this Study the Carbon stock potential of trees species in different pools (AGC, BGC and SOC) and the traditional knowledge that Malle people have in Karkaro forest conservation and management was assessed and evaluated. Systematic sampling method was used to collect data of biomass in different carbon pools. Purposive sampling of respondents and focus group discussion were used for socio-economic survey. Results revealed that 13 plant species were found in Karkaro forest. The average DBH and H value of the plant was 35.3cm and 15.8m, respectively. The total mean carbon density was 309.91 t/ha (1137.36 CO2 equivalents). Whereas within the total carbon pools of Karkaro forest, AGC share was 150.62 t/ha(552.77 CO2 equivalents), the belowground carbon share was 30.12 t/ha (110.54 CO2 equivalents) and soil organic carbon (SOC) up to 30 cm depth was 129.17 t/ha (474.05 CO2 equivalents). The community surrounding Karkaro forest has unique traditional forest conservation practices. Generally, Karkaro forest is a reservoir of high atmospheric CO2. For future sustainability of Karkaro forest, community traditional conservation practices should be appreciated and supported. Furthermore, the forest carbon sequestration potential should be integrated with Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) get financial benefit of CO2sequestration as a means for climate change mitigation.