Nature-Based Carbon Capture through Forest Management in the Mekong Region of Southeast Asia

Abstract

This research examines the carbon capture potential and timber production outcomes of conventional logging (CVL) and reduced impact logging (RIL) in the Mekong region of Southeast Asia from 1990 to 2050, showing that CVL resulted in approximately 4590.9 TgCO2 in carbon emissions during the study period, while RIL demonstrated a notable annual reduction of 10.9 TgCO2 in carbon emissions, alongside sustainable annual production of 11.4 million m3 of wood. Plantation forests (PF) contributed to an annual carbon removal of 58.69 TgCO2 over the course of the study. Implementing forest management practices in the Mekong may also generate significant carbon revenues, estimated at USD 3,500.07 million within the Paris Agreement period 2020–2030, contingent upon prevailing carbon pricing mechanisms. Embracing sustainable forest management (SFM) and restoration strategies, with emphasis on RIL, may drive improvements in quality of wood products, waste reduction, and natural carbon capture enhancement.