Promotion of land-based carbon sequestration: state of research, knowledge gaps and strategy in India

Land-based Carbon sequestration is projected to play a critical role in India’s long-term low-carbon development strategy. This study aims to (i) identify the data, monitoring and modeling needs for Carbon sequestration programs in forestry and agroforestry systems, (ii) review the research funding agencies and programs, (iii) identify the research priorities and (iv) suggest a strategy to promote research on Carbon sequestration in India. The methodology for the study adopted includes review and assessments of research institutions, programs and projects on Carbon sequestration in India. Carbon trading mechanisms, Carbon sequestration programs, projects, and inventory estimations require Carbon sequestration data and modeling. A number of government departments fund research programs, and there are large research organizations involved, along with many think tanks in Carbon sequestration research. Despite these efforts, there are limitations with respect to the lack of data on land availability, its suitability, and Carbon sequestration rates for the forestry and agroforestry systems for land-based Carbon sequestration projects. Additionally, there is an absence of models and frameworks for mitigation potential assessment. Research priorities identified include: creation of databases and access to the existing datasets, development of region-specific forestry and agroforestry models for the assessment of mitigation potential and the reduction of uncertainties. The strategies include enhanced funding and networking to create accessible databases and the establishment of dedicated programs to develop forestry and agroforestry systems, along with Carbon sequestration rates and institutional arrangements for long-term research, modeling and uncertainty reduction. This could lead to the promotion of robust large-scale Carbon sequestration programs in India.