Effect of Forest Logging Practices on Carbon Stock Recovery in Kibale Forest National ParkI KanyawaraI Uganda

Abstract

Reducing carbon emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD+) as a mitigation strategy

in developing countries is of central importance if humanity is to combat climate change. Understanding

the effect of different logging practices on carbon stock recovery is therefore important if credible REDD+

investments are to be made in such forests. This preliminary study sought to find out differences in carbon

stocks between differently logged forests in comparison to pristine forests after 43 years of regeneration in the

Kanyawara area of Kibale National Park, Uganda. The study was done in 9 plots in three differently managed

compartments: K15 (Heavily logged), K14 (Lightly logged), and K30 (Pristine forest). Diameter at Breast

Height (DBH) measures of individual trees in the plots were used to calculate Above Ground Biomass (AGB)

using allometric equations, which was then converted to carbon estimates. Carbon stock was found to be the

highest in pristine forest, followed by lightly logged forest and heavily logged forest respectively; however,

there was no significant difference in the carbon stocks of the different compartments. The results indicate

that previously logged regenerated forests have considerable carbon stocks that should also be considered

in the REDD+ financial incentive schemes for developing countries. Further implications to the pertinent

question of climate change is that previously logged forests have a role to play as reservoirs of carbon stocks

and should be considered for any climate change mitigation strategies as would pristine forests.