Improving higher accuracy of carbon stock assessment is one of main activities at FORCLIME project areas within the REDD+ readiness activity. This will not only developing and testing methodologies, but also to generate accurate estimation of emission factor, which later on will be used to develop Reference (Emission) Level (RL/REL). Currently, there is scarcity of accurate local allometric equations for East and West Kalimantan. Existing research at Balai Besar Penelitian Dipterokarpa-B2PD) on carbon and biomass allometric equations have been conducted for dipterocarp species. Additional data on tree biomass is required to generate more accurate allometric equations especially for non dipterocarp species.

In collaboration with B2PD and timber concessions in East Kalimantan, deastructive samplings were conducted to collect tree biomass data. First field campaign was conducted in cooperation with PT Inhutani I Pimping Managenet Unit from the period of 4th – 16th March 2012. Total of 10 sample trees were felt and weighted in the field. Wood, branch, twig and leaf samples were taken to laboratory at Mulawarman University for dry weight analysis. We then continued the field campaign on 4th- 11th April 2012, at PT Inhutani I Kunyit-Simendurut Management Unit to compile 10 sample trees more from various non-dipterocarp species and diameter classes. Samples were also taken to the same laboratorium for dry weight analysis. The next field measurement was conducted on 22nd - 30th April, at PT Intracawood Manufacturing, Tarakan. We successfully cutted down, measured and weighted 18 sample trees at current year cutting blocks. Total of 38 sample trees have been felt, measured and weighted in the field. Four of them, are more than 100 cm in dbh.

While we are waiting for the results from the laboratorium, another field campaign is planned for Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan, in which FORCLIME project area located. It is proposed to cut some non dipterocarp trees from this area to validate wheter the equation developed from East Kalimantan stillcan be used at West Kalimantan. A coordination with district forestry service and timber concessions is being conducted. Based on these data sets, we will publish the equation in an international scientific journal to ensure the validity and gain scientific justification through peer reviews from experts and scientists.

For more information please contact:
Solichin Manuri
Forest Carbon Advisor at GIZ-FORCLIME
solichin.solichin@giz.de

Fatmi Noor’an
Researcher at B2PD
fatmi_b2pd@yahoo.com