Carbon Sequestration and Cultural Significance of Sequential Rehabilitation Planting in The Taman Methanol Arboretum, Bontang, East Kalimantan

Forest degradation in East Kalimantan necessitates urgent rehabilitation to restore both ecological functions and cultural landscapes. This study was conducted at Taman Methanol Arboretum, Bontang, with two primary objectives: to inventory plant species diversity integrated with Kalimantan's local cultural wisdom and to analyze the capacity of biomass, carbon stocks, and carbon sequestration within the restored area. These objectives aim to bridge the gap between technical carbon management and the preservation of indigenous ethnobotanical heritage. The research employed a systematic sampling method using 22 nested plots strategically placed across the arboretum. Vegetation data were collected through hierarchical sampling units, ranging from 20mx20m plots for trees to 2mx2m subplots for seedlings. This structured approach allowed for a comprehensive assessment of biomass accumulation and species composition across all growth stages, from saplings to poles and trees, ensuring precision in calculating carbon sequestration rates. The results identified 75 species, including 28 native timbers and 12 fruit-bearing trees essential for traditional uses and daily livelihoods. Carbon sequestration showed a significant upward trend from 2022 to 2025, with trees contributing a 52.50% increase. In conclusion, the restoration of Taman Methanol Arboretum effectively synchronizes climate change mitigate ion through carbon storage with the preservation of culturally significant flora, providing a sustainable model for urban forest rehabilitation.