Baseline assessments completed for forest carbon emissions ...

TFF is now well into the implementation of a RIL training program under the USAID funded LESTARI project, except this is RIL training with an important difference. In an effort to link the implementation of Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) with a measurable reduction in carbon emissions, TFF is implementing a program with four concessions in Central Kalimantan and two concessions in Papua Province. The basic concept of this program is to test whether implementation of RIL can result in measureable differences in carbon emissions.

The first stage of this program has just been completed and has produced reports for both the Dwima Group of four companies in Central Kalimantan and the two Wapoga Group concessions in Papua. The reports present an evaluation of current logging practices in the concessions being studied as well as detailed estimates of carbon emissions from the various aspects of the logging activities.

To arrive at these estimates, a detailed survey was conducted in one logged block (100 ha) in each concession using a combination of procedures developed by TFF and by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) based on research conducted in nine concessions in East Kalimantan. The TNC research has been accredited under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) as a legitimate protocol for evaluating savings in carbon emissions due to the implementation of RIL and is referred to as the VCS RIL-C Methodology.

This is still a ‘work in progress’. The next stage is to train and supervise each of the project concessions to implement RIL in one 100 ha block and then conduct the same, detailed field evaluation after logging to compare the results to the current baseline. TFF welcomes comments on this important initiative. Contact the TFF Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your questions or comments.