Forest biomass carbon pool dynamics in Tibet Autonomous Region of China: Inventory data 1999-2019

Abstract

According to the forest resources inventory data for different periods and the latest estimation parameters of forest carbon reserves in China, the carbon reserves and carbon density of forest biomass in the Tibet Autonomous Region from 1999 to 2019 were estimated using the IPCC international carbon reserves estimation model. The results showed that, during the past 20 years, the forest area, forest stock, and biomass carbon storage in Tibet have been steadily increasing, with an average annual increase of 1.85×104 hm2, 0.033×107 m3, and 0.22×107 t, respectively. Influenced by geographical conditions and the natural environment, the forest area and biomass carbon storage gradually increased from the northwest to the southeast, particularly in Linzhi and Changdu, where there are many primitive forests, which serve as important carbon sinks in Tibet. In terms of the composition of tree species, coniferous forests are dominant in Tibet, particularly those containing Abies fabri, Picea asperata, and Pinus densata, which comprise approximately 45% of the total forest area in Tibet. The ecological location of Tibet has resulted in the area being dominated by shelter forest, comprising 68.76% of the total area, 64.72% of the total forest stock, and 66.34% of the total biomass carbon reserves. The biomass carbon storage was observed to first increase and then decrease with increasing forest age, which is primarily caused by tree growth characteristics. In over-mature forests, trees’ photosynthesis decreases along with their accumulation of organic matter, and the trees can die. In addition, this study also observed that the proportion of mature and over-mature forest in Tibet is excessively large, which is not conducive to the sustainable development of forestry in the region. This problem should be addressed in future management and utilization activities.

Population growth poses a significant threat to forest ecosystems: a case study from the Hindukush-Himalayas of Pakistan

“…It is essential to determine the current status forest ecosystem and identify the significant drivers of deforestation for sustainable forest management [16]. The use of GIS and RS and proven to be the most convenient source of studying land use changes over a large area [18][19][20].…”

“…There is a need for routine and timely forest cover assessments to determine current conditions and forecast the effects of future environmental changes [15,16]. Natural resource managers and environmental policymakers have recognized that the conservation of biological diversity depends on protecting and managing intact natural habitats.…”

“…Notably, the natural resources in Hindu Kush-Himalayas are degrading more rapidly than in other parts of the world but still have received less attention internationally than other ecosystems [13,14]. There is a need for routine and timely forest cover assessments to determine current conditions and forecast the effects of future environmental changes [15,16]. Natural resource managers and environmental policymakers have recognized that the conservation of biological diversity depends on protecting and managing intact natural habitats.…”

Ecological restoration in Tibet optimises the cognitive structures of stakeholders on social‐ecological systems

“…Tibet is located on the main part of the Tibetan Plateau, which is an important part of the wildlife habitat of China. The average elevation is approximately 4000 m, with large elevation differences within the region (Shu‐Qin et al, 2021). Numerous glaciers and permafrost have developed here.…”

Phylogenetic diversity only weakly mitigates climate‐change‐driven biodiversity loss in insect communities

“…Gaoligongshan runs nearly 500 km north to south between 28°30′N and 24°40′N, paralleling the China‐Myanmar border (Figure 1) and varying in elevation from 523 m above sea level to a snow cap at 5128 m. Its vegetation types range from mixed coniferous‐broadleaf forest in the north to subtropical forest in the south (Li & Li, 2020; Liu et al, 2021). The region's rugged topography has generated high species richness in plants (Xing & Ree, 2017), vertebrates (Dumbacher et al, 2011; Yang et al, 2019), and arthropods (Liu et al, 2020; Yi et al, 2021).…”