The country’s protected areas absorb more than five million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. This is according to the Forest Carbon Accounting for Protected Areas in Bhutan 2022 report, released yesterday coinciding with World Ranger Day. The protected areas make up 52 per cent of the country’s total area and play a crucial role in preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and mitigating climate change impacts.
According to the Forest Carbon Accounting for Protected Areas in Bhutan 2022, the protected areas store over 300 million tonnes of carbon.
In addition, the report states that the country’s protected areas have released 1.95 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually since 2016. These emissions are mainly from land use changes, timber and firewood harvesting, and forest fires.
As a result, the net carbon absorption capacity of the protected areas is close to four million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Net absorption is the balance between the carbon absorbed and the carbon released back into the atmosphere through natural and human activities.
“Considering that our visionary leaders, particularly the kings, have envisioned a sound forest conservation policy in Bhutan. We are indeed fortunate to have a huge forest in Bhutan. This significant forest cover has huge potential to absorb carbon dioxide, and it will greatly help in mitigating the climate impact in Bhutan. It also helps us fulfil our climate commitment at a global level,” said Dorji Wangdi, principal forestry officer at Forest Monitoring and Information Division.
The Department of Forests and Park Services is working to enhance carbon storage or the carbon absorption capacity in these areas based on the report’s findings.
“There are many mechanisms that we can use, particularly by protecting and conserving the existing forests, as well as enhancing or improving their growth through what is called the habitat management for wildlife. Additionally, we can expand forests through plantations, particularly by restoring degraded areas in the forest, in protected areas,” added Dorji Wangdi.
There are 20 protected areas spread across the country, including five national parks, four wildlife sanctuaries, one strict nature reserve, one botanical park, and nine biological corridors. Within these protected areas, over 56 per cent are forests, while the remaining areas include non-forested regions such as grasslands, wetlands and settlement areas among others.
Currently, 69.7 per cent of the country’s total land area is covered with forests.
The findings of the report are expected to serve as a foundational resource for advancing Bhutan’s climate and conservation efforts.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Phub Gyem
