Carbon Storage Potential of Kubayo Forest and Its Implication for Climate Change Mitigation, Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia

Background: Environmental degradation particularly, climate change is currently becoming a horrific and multi-faced global phenomenon. Addressing it requires the amalgamation of numerous disciplines and cooperation among nations. Addressing this problem requires the incorporation of numerous disciplines and cooperation among citizens. Forestry development and management can be one of such actions that can contribute to climate change mitigation. Objective: An investigation was conducted in Kubayo forest, with the objective to estimate carbon stock of the forest in the study area. Methodology: Aboveground biomass was estimated by using allometric models while belowground biomass was determined based on the ratio of belowground biomass to aboveground biomass factors. The liter layer and soil organic carbon were estimated from the samples taken from the sample plot. In order to collect litter and soil sample data, a total of 63 quadrats, each with the size of 20 m x 20 m at an interval of 100 m were laid along the 9 established transects at 200 m apart. In addition, five quadrats each with the size of 1 m x 1 m were established at four corners and center of every quadrat. Data Analysis: The result was analyzed by Microsoft excel, Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 20 and Based on the collected data (DBH, fresh and dry weights of litter and soil organic matter), biomasses of each tree species in all sample quadrats were calculated by using developed allometric models. Result: The findings of the study showed that, the total maximum and minimum carbon stock estimated were 532.57 and 212.30 ton/ha respectively, with the average value of 370.34 ton/ha. The average carbon dioxide sequestered were 1359.15 ton/ha. Recommendation: The study recommends that, the existing forest management systems should integrate indigenous and scientific methods to play vital role to maximize the mitigation of climate change and global warming Keywords: Kubayo forest, biomass, carbon stock, climate change mitigation. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/11-9-02 Publication date: November 30th 201