Assessing aboveground carbon stocks and forest structure metrics in the Mouila Oil Palm Concession Lot 2, Gabon
Abstract
Growing demand for oil palm is driving its rapid expansion into the African tropics.
While palm agriculture can be profitable, the conversion of tropical forests to oil
palm monocultures tends to induce environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity,
and significant carbon emissions. In this study, we evaluate the potential loss of
biomass and the carbon emissions from conversion of a previously logged Gabonese forest
to an oil palm plantation. We use a combination of field and LiDAR (Light Detection
and Ranging) data to quantify and spatially model aboveground biomass (AGB), carbon
stocks, and forest structure in the Mouila Lot 2 (ML2) oil palm concession in the
Ngounié Province of Gabon. We established 30 1-ha plots using a stratified, random
design. Mean AGB was 257.3 ± 73.8 and 345.8 ± 114.0 Mg ha-1 for 20 plains and 10 plateau
plots. Using a multiple linear regression model calibrated with field measurements
to predict the spatial distribution of AGB from LiDAR metrics, we estimate the plains
forest contain 4.15 Tg AGB (2.07 Tg C) and the plateau forests to contain 4.48 Tg
AGB (2.24 Tg C). Using a conservative estimate of biomass saturation in oil palm monocultures
(100 Mg ha-1), we estimate that 1.19 Tg C would be emitted from conversion of the
plains forest. The carbon density of these forests, even after selective logging,
thus exceeds limits proposed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Due
to the economic viability of oil palm agriculture and concessions already granted,
oil palm development is not likely to stop in Central Africa. Creating regional standards
for carbon emissions will allow the balancing of economic development and environmental
objectives, while maintaining the framework of economic incentives for socially and
environmentally responsible development.
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/8591Citation
Burton, Mark (2014). Assessing aboveground carbon stocks and forest structure metrics in the Mouila Oil
Palm Concession Lot 2, Gabon. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/8591.Collections
More Info
Show full item record
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Rights for Collection: Nicholas School of the Environment
Works are deposited here by their authors, and represent their research and opinions, not that of Duke University. Some materials and descriptions may include offensive content. More info