Carbon Certification of Afforestation/Reforestation Areas in Turkey

Abstract

Climate change is a major threatening factor for ecosystems and livelihoods. Forest ecosystems can be carbon sinks if they are untouched/well managed or carbon sources if destroyed. They are an important part of the international climate policy due to their carbon dioxide reduction capacity from the atmosphere in addition to being biodiversity and sustainability contributors. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol has provisions and methodologies for afforestation/reforestation activities. There is a growing demand from private companies for afforestation/reforestation (A/R) projects for environmental and social responsibility reasons. On the other hand, some industries are interested in A/R carbon credits in order to be ready for a potential future emission limiting scheme to come into force in Turkey. This paper examines recent developments and conditions, opportunities and threats in the A/R carbon sector within the Turkish context. Furthermore, details are given on the only A/R carbon project of Turkey carried by Nature Conservation Centre. The results of the project showed the following findings: a) the cost of certification for Turkey was disproportionately high considering the relatively smaller amount of A/R carbon credits to be obtained on a per hectare basis b) a new level of certification system might better serve the needs of countries in similar situation, c) the relevant government institutions need an increase in capacity on carbon issues, develop a vision on it, start the necessary inter and intra institutional coordination and amend regulations appropriately to facilitate any potential A/R certification to be issued from Turkey.