To provide technical knowledge and relevant information on whole ecosystem carbon stock and sequestration assessment (WECSA), the Agroforestry Research, Development and Extension Center (ARDEC) conducted a Regional Technology forum on October 26, 2023 at DENR XII Regional Office in Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

The activity includes techno-exhibit showcasing ERDB and ARDEC’s generated technologies and lectures related to ENR technologies specifically on the implementation of the Enhanced National Greening Program (eNGP) and Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM).

A total of 47 participants from DENR regional and field offices in Region 12  were oriented  on the Whole Ecosystem Carbon Stock Assessment, contour farming using lemongrass as vegetative strips, and seed technology.

The Rationale of Carbon Stock Assessment and its Concepts was presented by Senior Science Research Specialist Alvin Angelo A. Salting. He highlighted the fundamental concepts of carbon stock and sequestration of terrestrial forests along with  their different carbon pools as well as the reasons why individuals account for the carbon content in these areas. Guidelines on the Establishment of the Carbon Accounting, Verification and Certification System (CAVCS) for Forest Carbon Projects  were also highlighted during the presentation.

Moreover, Science Research Specialist II Rodrigo M. Real Jr. shared the field procedures for data collection in aboveground biomass, woody debris, litter, and soil carbon pools. He also presented the various materials to be used in the assessment and guided the participants in filling out the datasheets.

Meanwhile, Chemist II Royette C. Posadas discussed the detailed, step-by-step process of analyzing the data gathered, particularly on the computation of carbon content and carbon sequestration per carbon pool.

In his message, DENR XII Regional Executive Director Atty. Felix S. Alicer expressed his appreciation and gratitude to ARDEC for choosing DENR XII as a partner in the promotion of various ENR technologies, especially the WECSA. He shared that the activity is very relevant as it will help promote and disseminate relevant information on WECSA as this is significant in their implementation of the eNGP and CBFM in the region.

Ms. Maria Theresa Menor, Assistant Chief of the Planning and Management Division of DENR XII, said in her closing message that she looked forward to working with ARDEC in the assessment of carbon stocks in NGP sites and CBFM areas in the region. She also expressed her high hopes that a field demonstration will be conducted soon as a follow-up training for the attendees.  Maricar C. Ramirez/ARDEC

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