The Application and Development of Appropriate Tools and Technologies for Cost-Effective Carbon Sequestration

Abstract

The Nature Conservancy is participating in a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to explore the compatibility of carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. The title of the research projects is "Application and Development of Appropriate Tools and Technologies for Cost-Effective Carbon Sequestration".The objectives of the project are to: 1) improve carbon offset estimates produced in both the planning and implementation phases of projects; 2) build valid and standardized approaches to estimate project carbon benefits at a reasonable cost; and 3) lay the groundwork for implementing cost-effective projects, providing new testing ground for biodiversity protection and restoration projects that store additional atmospheric carbon. This Technical Progress Report discusses preliminary results of the six specific tasks that The Nature Conservancy is undertaking to answer research needs while facilitating the development of real projects with measurable greenhouse gas impacts. The specific tasks discussed include:• Task LIST OF GRAPHICAL MATERIALS EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Nature Conservancy is participating in a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) to explore the compatibility of carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems and the conservation of biodiversity. The work is being accomplished in close collaboration with NGO partners, government and academic institutions, and U.S. based companies. This research is being conducted on sites where carbon sequestration activities have been underway for several years, and on sites that appear to offer opportunities for carbon sequestration for those interested in taking action to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations.Our objectives are to: 1) improve carbon offset estimates produced in both the planning and implementation phases of projects; 2) build valid and standardized approaches to estimate project carbon benefits at a reasonable cost; and 3) lay the groundwork for implementing cost-effective projects, providing new testing ground for biodiversity protection and restoration projects that store additional atmospheric carbon. The Nature Conservancy is undertaking six specific tasks to answer research needs while facilitating the development of real projects with measurable greenhouse gas impacts. The specific tasks include:• Task Task 1: Carbon Inventory AdvancementsIn Brazil, at projects supported by American Electric Power and General Motors, new regression equations were developed for fern trees (xaxim sp.). The equation shows that height and biomass are closely correlated. Some large trees were also harvested and weighed, and the results showed that there may need to be an adjustment made to the allometric equation that has been used to estimate biomass in trees. A vegetation map was also developed for this area in preparation for inventory work to be accomplished in coordination...