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Harvard Forest Symposium Abstract 2009

  • Title: The Cost for Conserving Tropical Natural Forest
  • Primary Author: Nophea Sasaki (University of Hyogo, Japan)
  • Additional Authors: David Foster (Harvard University); Atsushi Yoshimoto (The Institute of Statistical Mathematics)
  • Abstract:

    As part of international emissions reduction discussions, negotiations are underway for including reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD). The costs associated with REDD have been studied in the last few years, but, empirical studies have been limited. Using inventory data and timber royalties, we analyze the costs for and revenues from timber harvesting in Cambodian forests, and compare them with those from other forest-land-use options. The cost for and revenue from timber harvesting are estimated at $10,513.82 and $14,260.44 ha-1 per 25-yr cutting cycle, respectively representing an annual payment (AP) of $8.49–46.80 ha-1 depending on discount rates. APs for plantation land use options are $0.92–7.77 for Teak, $-21.08 to -37.44 for Eucalyptus or acacia, $0.92–8.02 for rubber, and $-0.23 to -1.25 ha-1 yr-1 for oil palm. The AP for ecosystem services of natural forests is $74.79–602.10 ha-1 yr-1. If compensation under the next climate agreement is made available i.e. through REDD, carbon price for tropical forest conservation varies from $0.05 to 3.50 MgC-1. These prices are well within the range of previous studies. A well-developed conservation plan identifying the roles and responsibility of stakeholders at all levels is required to ensure the success of the REDD projects as well as the sustainable development of forest resources.

  • Research Category: Conservation and Management
    International Research Projects