Pre and Post-logging Carbon Stocks: Case of the Forest Management Unit (Fmu) 08 003
Mounmemi Kpoumie Hubert *
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon and National Herbarium of Cameron, P. O. Box 1601 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Tchianzeu Tekamdjo Stephane Lauris
National Herbarium of Cameron, P. O. Box 1601 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Ngoukwa Guylène
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Ngoutane Kouotou Elyse
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Ntonmen Yonkeu Amandine Flore
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Tchoupou Votio Carole Mireil
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Chimi Djomo Cedric
National Herbarium of Cameron, P. O. Box 1601 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Ngodo Melingui Jean Baptiste
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Maffo Maffo Nicole Liliane
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Tsouga Manga Milie Lionelle
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon and Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, P. O. Box 2123 Yaounde, Cameroon.
Zapfack Louis
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, P. O. Box 812 Yaounde, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Forest concessions granted to Cameroon are of growing interest for ecological, economic and social management. Despite the efforts made on forest carbon stocks estimates, little information and field data exist on post-logging effects on the carbon footprint. The present study carried out in an annual cutting plate 6-4 (1 167 ha) of the Forest Management Unit 08 003 aim to estimate carbon stocks before and after logging and to establish the carbon footprint. For the estimation of pre-logging biomass, the non-destructive method was used and trees inventory of diameter ≥ 10 cm was carried out in 21 plots of 250 × 20 m. Field measurements (width and length of logging roads, logging gaps and log yards) were made to calculate all the areas and carbon stocks affected by logging operations. Pre-logging carbon stocks were estimated at 202.06 tC/ha. The results from measurements of the different types of forest infrastructure show that logging under a simple management plan contributes to 12.11 % of the degradation of the cutting area (141.3 ha), which corresponds to 12.16 % of forest carbon (28 570. 86 tC). The skid trails represent the principal source of forest degradation (63.58 ha), which corresponds to 12,428.32 tons of carbon impacted. An increase in 71.78 % of carbon stocks in dead organic matter was observed. These results show that the use of sustainable management models and improved logging techniques would significantly reduce the area destroyed and also the carbon stocks.
Keywords: Pre and post - logging, carbon footprint, forest management unit, Cameroon