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Climate change is the paramount global challenge of our time, necessitating concerted efforts and innovative solutions to mitigate its impacts and adapt to the changing climate. In this context, the role of digital technology and data-driven approaches cannot be overstated.
To contribute to Indonesia’s commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the forestry sector by 2030, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is turning to digital technologies and innovative approaches. This commitment aligns with the Indonesian Forestry and Other Land Uses (FOLU) Net-Sink 2030 initiative.
Through the Centre for Ecological and Ethnobiological Research (PREE) and the Biological and Environmental Research Organisation, BRIN is now focusing on determining the appropriate instruments and methods for measuring and monitoring to implement Carbon Economic Value (CEV).
Anang Setiawan Ahmadi, Head of PREE BRIN, emphasised the importance of Carbon Economic Value (CEV) in supporting climate policy implementation, sustainable investments, and business practices. Additionally, he further stressed the need for a robust Measurement Reporting Verification (MRV) system to ensure reliable measurements and monitoring, particularly concerning carbon changes and stocks. This would result in transparent, accurate, comprehensive, comparable and consistent data and information.
Wahyu Catur Adinugroho, a Researcher at PREE BRIN, exemplified implementing MRV in degraded forests. According to Adinugroho, data regarding quantitative changes related to forest degradation remain limited.
“Forest degradation categories in Indonesia primarily involve the transformation of primary forests into secondary forests. Emission monitoring and reporting from forest degradation are still low, not only in Indonesia but also in many developing countries,” he explained.
Adinugroho added that the process of monitoring forest degradation in several regions in Indonesia currently relies on methods such as literature reviews, spatial analysis, and field surveys to collect data. Spatial analysis, for instance, involves using earth engine, overlay techniques, raster calculators, and web GIS.
Based on this research, biomass maps and canopy density maps were obtained for data on forest degradation detection and spatial dynamics. Changes in biomass and canopy density maps serve as proxies for identifying forest degradation and calculating emissions.
Furthermore, data on carbon stocks in primary forests logged secondary forests, and burned secondary forests were successfully collected. This data resulted from field measurements capturing the dynamics of degraded forest stand biomass.
“Through this research, we developed a model for quantifying GHG emissions from forest degradation. This model was then integrated into the Forest Canopy Density GEE application. For monitoring purposes, we have established an information and monitoring system for quantifying GHG emissions from forest degradation in the IKN region and its surroundings, known as SIMONIK,” Adinugroho concluded.
BRIN’s commitment to contributing to Indonesia’s GHG emissions reduction goals in the forestry sector involves harnessing digital innovations, including spatial analysis and data modelling, to improve measurement and monitoring practices.
By focusing on Carbon Economic Value (CEV) and implementing robust Measurement Reporting Verification (MRV) systems, Indonesia aims to enhance transparency and accuracy in assessing and reducing emissions from forest degradation. This digital approach represents a step toward achieving sustainability and climate goals in Indonesia’s forestry sector.
