Reports & Analysis
Carbon Stock Assessment and Modelling in Zambia: a UN-REDD Programme study
Results of a UN-REDD Programme study are now available as part of the ongoing activities in Zambia to establish reliable carbon assessment methodologies
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Tree measurements using calipers for the Integrated Land Use Assessment in Zambia Credits: FAO | Within the essential activities of measuring, reporting and verification of carbon of the UN-REDD, this study explores methodologies and options on how to estimate national level carbon stocks for various land use categories and carbon pools, what data are available for estimating deforestation in Zambia and what is the estimated annual deforestation rate of the country, based on the analyses of existing field data from the Integrated Land Use Assessment (ILUA) in Zambia from 2005 to 2007. The study seeks to respond to several issues on how to estimate national level carbon stocks for various land use categories and carbon pools, what data are available for estimating deforestation in Zambia and what is the estimated annual deforestation rate of the country, based on the analyses of existing field data from the Integrated Land Use Assessment (ILUA) in Zambia from 2005 to 2007. The estimates of annual decrease in forest carbon stock from deforestation and degradation in Zambia are presented in this study as well as useful analyses that can feed into the design of the next ILUA development which will be adapted to the measuring, reporting and verification of carbon for REDD. The report highlights how the choice of method for estimating carbon stock strongly affects the magnitude of estimate, recommending that studies are made prior to embarking in any carbon stock assessment to verify the applicability of the available methods in each country. It also stresses the need for more in-depth and scientifically sound analysis of remotely sensed data sets to calculate accurate deforestation estimates. In relation to a future REDD+ scheme, the report suggests potential for carbon sequestration, both through reforestation and afforestation given the identified gap between the current and historical carbon stock levels. The study was carried out in close collaboration with FAO staff members in the National Forest Resources and Assessment (NFMA) programme and the Zambian Forestry Department (ZFD) under the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources as a contribution towards building a measuring reporting and verification system for REDD with special focus on the South African region. To download the report, please click here.
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