Estimation of the carbon stock of calo and chachacomo trees at "Bosque de Zarate" Reserved Zone montane forest (#1665)

Authors

Rosas Campos, Vania

Achata Böttger, Jorge

Abstract

Forests help mitigate global warming by capturing carbon dioxide, making their conservation crucial, especially for endangered ecosystems like montane forests. In the Sierra of Lima, the Bosque de Zárate Reserved Zone in Huarochirí protects a western montane forest with rich endemic biodiversity, spanning 2,700–3,200 m.a.s.l. The main challenge for conservation is the lack of financial resources from authorities and the San Bartolome community. To address this problem, this research included the following: (1) Estimating carbon storage in the aboveground biomass of chachacomo and calo trees, (2) Identifying compensable economic activities using emissions data from the MINAM "Carbon Footprint Peru" platform, and (3) Proposing a financing alternative for conservation. Twenty-seven plots (250m² each) at 3,034–3,200 m.a.s.l. were analyzed. Researchers measured tree height and diameter, applied allometric equations to estimate biomass, and converted it into stored carbon and CO₂ equivalents: The area stored 82.43 tons of carbon, averaging 1.67 tC/ha. Chachacomo contributed 1.28 tC/ha, making it the dominant species and a strong carbon sink. Calo contributed 0.87 tC/ha. The forest stored 302.52 tons of CO₂eq. Office-based companies interested in offsetting their carbon footprint were identified as a target market to fund conservation through voluntary contributions.