Forest degradation reduction as alternative of climate change mitigation in Cuba

Abstract

Forest degradation is the partial loss of a forest's capacity to provide ecological goods and services. Carbon gain refers to the process by which an ecosystem captures and stores more carbon than it emits, thus contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. The objective of the work was to objectively evaluate the expected results (in terms of carbon gain) of various mitigation alternatives based on the modification of the technical management of the heritage. The level of degradation existing in more than 10,000 hectares of forests distributed in 32 work areas and five provinces was evaluated, with representation of heritages managed by the business system and by protected areas. We used the Ex Actlas system to determine the potential of reducing degradation as a way to mitigate climate change. The results obtained were compared with those obtained by a nationally developed carbon calculator specific to the forestry sector. The estimated average degradation was moderate, although lower in protected areas than in business areas. Changes in the technical management of forest assets achieved greater mitigation than that obtained by reducing degradation. Carbon gain is essential in the fight against climate change, since ecosystems that accumulate CO₂ act as carbon sinks, helping to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions generated by human activities.