Document of THE WORLD BANK Report No. 45642-TT PROJECT APPRAISAL DOCUMENT PROPOSED PURCHASE OF EMISSION REDUCTIONS BY THE BIOCARBON FUND and OTHER CARBON FUNDS IN THE COMBINED AMOUNT OF UP TO US$2.0 MILLION FOR THE TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Nariva Wetland Restoration and Carbon Sequestration Project September 26,2008 Sustainable Development Department Caribbean Countries-Caarrtry iaanagement Unit Latin America and the Caribbean Region Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized
Transcript
Document of THE WORLD BANK
Report No. 45642-TT
PROJECT APPRAISAL DOCUMENT
PROPOSED PURCHASE OF EMISSION REDUCTIONS BY THE BIOCARBON FUND and OTHER CARBON FUNDS
IN THE COMBINED AMOUNT OF UP TO US$2.0 MILLION
FOR THE
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Nariva Wetland Restoration and Carbon Sequestration Project
September 26,2008
Sustainable Development Department Caribbean Countries-Caarrtry iaanagement Unit Latin America and the Caribbean Region
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AIR BCF CAS CCIG CDM CEA CER CF C02e COP DNA DOE EI A EMP ER ERPA GHG GWP INAP IPCC IPP LULUCF MP NGO N20 NPV NRM NSS PAD PCF PDD UNFCCC
CURRENCY EQUIVALENT (Exchange Rate Effective March 26,2008) Currency Unit = Trinidad Tobago Dollar 6.2505 Trinidad Tobago Dollar = US$1
Fiscal Year January 1 - December 3 1
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
Afforestation/Reforestation BioCarbon Fund Country Assistance Strategy Climate Change Initiatives Grant Clean Development Mechanism Country Environmental Analysis Certified Emission Reduction Carbon Finance Carbon Dioxide Equivalent Conference of the Parties Designated National Authority Designated Operational Entity Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Plan Emission Reduction(s) Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement Greenhouse Gas Global Warming Potential Integrated National Adaptation Project Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Indigenous People Plan Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry Monitoring Plan Non-governmental Organization Nitrous Oxide Net Present Value Natural Resource Management National Strategic Study Project Appraisal Document Prototype Carbon Fund Project Design Document United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Vice President: Pamela Cox Country ManagerIDirector: Yvonne Tsikata
Sector Director: Laura Tuck Task Team LeaderITask Manager: Walter Vergara
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Nariva Wetland Restoration and Carbon Sequestration Project
CONTENTS
A . STRATEGIC CONTEXT AND RATIONALE ..................................................................... 6
1 . KEY DEVELOPMENT ISSUES AND GOVERNMENT STRATEGY ................................................... 6 2 . RATIONALE FOR BANK INVOLVEMENT ................................................................................. 9
................... 3 . SECTOR ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE PROJECT AND STRATEGIC CHOICES 10 4 . HIGHER LEVEL OBJECTIVES TO WHICH THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTES .................................... 11
B . PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 11
1 . PROJECT DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE .................................................................................. 1 1 2 . PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ............................................................................................... 11 3 . PROJECT COMPONENTS ...................................................................................................... 1 2 4 . SUSTAINABILITY AND REPLICABILITY .............................................................................. 1 3 5 . ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND REASONS FOR REJECTION .............................................. 13 6 . LESSONS LEARNED AND REFLECTED IN THE PROJECT DESIGN ........................................ 14
C . IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................................................ 14
1 . INSTITUTIONAL AND IMPLEMENTAT~ON ARRANGEMENTS ................................................. 1 4 2 . MONITORING AND EVALUAT~ON OF OUTCOMES/RESULTS ................................................... 15 3 . CRITICAL RISKS AND POSSIBLE CONTROVERSIAL ASPECTS ................................................. 1 6
D . APPRAISAL SUMMARY ..................................................................................................... 17
ANNEX 8: CALCULATION OF EMISSION REDUCTIONS FOR THE FIRST PROJECT COMPONENT: ........................................................................................................ 63
ANNEX 9: HISTORICAL LANDSCAPE CHANGES IN NARIVA ..................................... 72
ANNEX 10: AMBIENT OP-FTIR MEASUREMENT OF METHANE AND NITROUS OXIDE EMISSION RATES FROM A TROPICAL FRESHWATER WETLAND AT NARIVA SWAMP ....................................................................................................................... 78
ANNEX 10: AMBIENT OP-FTIR MEASUREMENT OF METHANE AND NITROUS OXIDE EMISSION RATES FROM A TROPICAL FRESHWATER WETLAND AT NARIVA SWAMP ...................................................................................................................... 79
ANNEX 11. PROJECT PREPARATION AND SUPERVISION ........................................... 81
ANNEX 12 SUMMARY OF MONITORING METHODOLOGY ........................................ 82
ANNEX 13: ESTIMATION OF METHANE EMISSION BY DNDC MODEL ................... 85
PROJECT APPRAISAL DOCUMENT
Latin America and Caribbean Region LCSEN
Date: August 14, 2008 Team Leader: Walter Vergara Country Director: Yvonne Tsikata Sectors: Forestry (1 00%) Sector Director: Laura Tuck Themes: Climate Change (P), Biodiversity (S)
[ ] Loan [ ] Credit [ ] Grant [ ] Guarantee [XI Other: Carbon Finance For Loans/Credits/Others: This project does not involve Bank financing. Total Bank Carbon Financing amounts to US$2.0 million Proposed terms: $4.05 per ton C02e for AIR; $1 5 per ton C02e b) methane / nitrous oxide
mitigation asset Financing Plan (US$m.)
Implementing agency: Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Contact persons: Dr. John Agard (Chairman, Board of Directors EMA) Address: 8 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies
Project implementation period: 2008-20 17 Expected effectiveness date: June 2008 Expected closing date: June 20 18 Does the project depart from the CAS in content or other 1 o ~ e s X & significant respects? Does the project require any exceptions from Bank policies? o Yes X No Have these been approved by Bank management? o Yes X N o
A. STRATEGIC CONTEXT AND RATIONALE
1. Key development issues and government strategy The Global climate is changing rapidly. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report (IPCC 2007) and other recent assessments (Schellnhuber 2006) conclude that the planet will face dangerous climate change consisting of irreversible and drastic impacts on the biosphere, possibly crossing critical thresholds in the near future. Global warming will affect all species and exacerbate the stresses already being experienced by ecosystems. There is now consensus that drastic actions are required to avert these scenarios. Climate change may further accelerate both the ongoing impoverishment of global biodiversity caused by unsustainable use of natural capital, and the processes of land degradation.
Climate change will affect the physical and biological characteristics of the Caribbean Sea and their coastal areas, modifying their ecosystem structure and functioning. Caribbean nations depending on reef and coastal systems face losses of fisheries and shorelines. Likewise, wetlands, including reefs, atolls, keys and mangroves in the Caribbean are among those ecosystems considered to be most vulnerable to climate change because of their limited adaptive capacity. For example, coral reefs are expected to be impacted detrimentally if sea surface temperatures increase by more than one degree Celsius, above the seasonal maximum temperature. In addition, acidification of the ocean will affect the ability of reef plants and animals to calcify and thus reduce their ability to grow and keep pace with rising sea levels.
Also, in near-shore marine and coastal areas, many wetlands and coastal forests will be affected by changes in sea level and storm surges. Mangroves and coastal lagoons are expected to undergo rapid change and perhaps be lost altogether as functioning ecosystems. Low-lying coastal areas and associated wetlands could also be displaced by salt water habitats, disrupting fiesh-water based ecosystems. Such changes are likely to result in dislocation of migratory birds and aquatic species, not tolerant to increased salinity or flooding. All these may result in impacts to commercially important species and a pole-ward shift of marine production, seriously affecting the sustainability of fisheries.
Also, with increasing temperatures mangroves have been shown to reduce productivity and at temperatures of about 38-40 OC, photosynthesis ceases to occur (Andrews et. al., 1984). Temperature increases also affect biodiversity composition in Mangroves with some species disappearing if these changes are as fast as currently being projected. Mangroves can adapt to slow changes to temperature but the response capacity is hampered by coastal development.
Indeed, wetlands1 are amongst the most threatened ecosystems worldwide and continue to be degraded and lost at high rates. The most common threads to wetlands include drainage for agriculture, encroachment by settlers or urbanization, and pollution fiom agricultural and
' As defined by the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971), wetlands include a wide variety of natural habitats such as marshes, peatlands, floodplains, rivers and lakes, and coastal areas such as saltmarshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds, but also coral reefs and other marine areas no deeper than six meters at low tide. In addition, the Ramsar definition includes man-made wetlands such as waste-water treatment ponds and reservoirs. The focus of this note is on natural wetlands.
industrial sources. Worldwide, around 50% of wetlands are estimated to have disappeared since 1900. While most of this loss occurred in the northern temperate zones during the first half of the previous century, tropical and sub-tropical wetlands have also been disappearing rapidly since the 1950s (Wetlands International, 2007).
Coastal wetlands, in particular mangroves also provide a coastal protection function. Mangrove area's natural buffering capacity to wind and storm surges provide protection against extreme weather events. Wetlands have been shown to reduce the impact and intensity of wind in inland communities during hurricane and Tsunamis and its natural buffering capacity provides a cushion against inland flooding. The protection and restoration of these coastal ecosystems can be seen as an adaptation measure to the likelihood of intensified storms in the Caribbean basin.
The Nariva RAMSAR wetland targeted by the proposed project has the most varied vegetation of all wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago, with distinct zones of swamp forest, palm swamp, herbaceous swamp and mangrove woodlands of distinct global biodiversity value (James, 1992).~ It is especially important for the large numbers of waterfowl, including migratory species, and it is the major wetland in Trinidad which still sustains anaconda (Eunectes murinus), the blue and golden macaw (Ara ararauna), and manatee (Trichechus manatus).
On the basis of these characteristics, the T&T Government has declared, the highest level of protection available in the nation to Nariva. The Nariva Wetlands are incorporated in the 'Wariva Environmental Sensitive Area", Nariva ESA, adopted by the Government of Trinidad & Tobago (GoTT). This protected area covers 15,568 ha of one of the most important natural habitats in Trinidad and Tobago. The wetlands, as a landform, cover approx. 7,000 ha. The remainder is mostly covered by up-land forest, which surrounds the wetland and could be interpreted as a bufferlprotection belt to the inland areas. Nariva ESA has a very rich mosaic of vegetation communities (e.g., tropical rain forest, palm forests, mangroves, swamp forest and swamps).
Nariva had suffered from major anthropogenic interventions causing large scale ongoing deforestation and degradation processes of the ecosystem. Since mid 20' century, studies in the area determined the potential agricultural value of the land surrounding the marsh, as well as the marsh lands (FAO, 1957). In the 1960s the Navet Dam was built upstream to divert water fiom the Navet River (the Nariva watershed) to the expanding developments in the West coast of Trinidad. Additional modification to the water circulation took place fiom 1987 to 1996 when illegal large commercial rice farmers squatted over 1500 ha of land3. The illegal farmers were finally evicted in 1996 by the government, although no restoration has taken place. The above "development" activities profoundly affected the hydrologic behavior of the Nariva Swamp and
2 The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands. It recognizes the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. The official title is "The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat". The convention was developed and adopted by participating nations at a meeting in Ramsar, Iran on February 2, 1971 and came into force on December 21, 1975.
They cleared the forest, dug canals, burned the vegetation on a regular basis, and extensively used agrochemical as well as heavy machinery
surrounding areas. Not only water was diverted away from the basin, but canals were dug preventing and restricting the flooding characteristic of the swamp. Forest fires became a serious concern.
These alterations also resulted in swamp conditions favoring the growth of marsh vegetation and weed species. The proliferation of these plants causes drastic ecological changes to the swamp, affecting many animal species dependent on the vegetation for habitat and food. These interventions have all but ceased after the area was afforded protection. However, the pace of recovery, if unaided, would take an exceedingly long time.
Also, although carbon fluxes in wetland and mangrove ecosystems are not yet completely understood, the potential of these ecosystems for carbon sequestration has become increasingly recognized over the last few years. Their potential for storing carbon in the form of above ground biomass rivals that of tropical rainforests: some mangrove stands have been found to sequester more than 100 ton Clha over a time period of 20 years (Eong et al., 1995). In addition, carbon is known to be stored in significant amounts in mangroves soils, although extensive research is needed to hrther quantify this process. The recognition of the carbon sink function, if rewarded, can support the process of recovery of damaged coastal ecosystems. It is also estimated that peat soils have been exposed to the atmosphere producing large volumes of GHG, in particular C& and that drops in dissolved oxygen caused by the diversion of freshwater also aids the generation of C& as well as N20. Restoring surface hydrology patterns with adequate dissolved oxygen, would result in reduced emissions of GHG from the wetland.
Thus, there is a need to develop and demonstrate techniques and methods that illustrate the carbon and nitrogen fluxes in mangroves. Documenting these fluxes will allow the participation of mangroves as a significant element in carbon sink efforts. The use of carbon finance will also enable the funding of restoration and conservation initiatives, initially focused on fragile ecosystems.
Trinidad and Tobago has filed its first national communication to the UNFCCC. As part of the communication, the country has completed an inventory of emissions indicating relatively high per capita emissions (20.5 tons COze, nearly seven times the Latin America average and comparable to the USA per capita emissions), mostly associated with a high energy intensity of the economy, including very high power consumption rates. The communication identifies a relatively high rate of deforestation and vulnerabilities to climate impacts, including those in coastal areas. For the period 1990 and 1998 a net loss of 11.6% of forested areas has been recorded. According to the National Communication Trinidad and Tobago's Forestry Sector contributes with approximately 3.5 % to the country's methane emissions but removes 10.2% of the total national anthropogenic C02 emissions.
Government Strategy
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago has approved a National Environmental Policy (NEP) pursuant to the requirements of the EM Act (2000) wherein there is a mandate to "conserve and enhance natural ecosystems that serve as sinks or reservoirs of greenhouse gases such as forests and coastal ecosystems ". The government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) ratified the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1994 and is committed to implement its obligations under this
Convention. These actions have included the formulation of a National Wetland Policy, which has been approved by the Cabinet in 2001 (and which provides for exemplary practices4 in support of wetland conservation). By ratifying the Conventions on Biodiversity and Desertification the government of Trinidad and Tobago has further accepted a commitment to conserve and manage in a sustainable way its natural resources. GOTT has also ratified the Convention on Climate Change and signed the Kyoto Protocol. Reducing rates of deforestation and protecting coastal ecosystems are priorities under the environmental and climate outlooks of the country.
Project eligibility The GOTT is a ratified signatory of the Kyoto Protocol and in principle agrees to the mechanisms provided therein, including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which requires projects to promote sustainable development as defined by host countries. As for carbon sinks, under the CDM, eligible activities are restricted to afforestation or reforestation in the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. The proposed project meets the selection criteria of the CDM and the BioCarbon Fund (BCF) and will be the first COz (carbon dioxide) emission reduction 1 removal enhancement project in the sector of Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) in Trinidad and Tobago. The project activities include a reforestation effort in accordance with the LNFCC definitions. The project will include a methane mitigation asset through the improvement of the swamp's surface hydrology.
Eligibility under the Marrakesh Accords. The land to be reforested within Nariva's project boundary is eligible as non-forested land in accordance with the national forest definition as communicated by Trinidad and Tobago's DNA on March 14, 2007. This communication summarizes the national thresholds for forest definition under Decision 11lCP.7: Minimum tree cover of 10%; Minimum land area of 0.4ha; Minimum tree height of 3.0m. The sections of land designated for reforestation within the Nariva project area are covered with vegetation that does not meet the above defined national criteria for forests. The vegetation within these sections is primarily dominated by grasses or scrub vegetation as confirmed by aerial photographs (Nariva Historical Detection Assessment, Ducks Unlimited, 2006).
The proposed project activities are human-induced and not the result of a continuation of pre- project spontaneous processes. The sections of land identified by EMA for reforestation were deforested prior to January 1990 and are not showing signs of natural recovery or re-growth to a forest. There are no signs of natural recovery in the areas concerned and reforestation activities (e.g. nursery development, replanting) will be necessary to establish a forest that complies with Trinidad & Tobago's national forest definition5.
2. Rationale for Bank involvement
4 Revision of laws and institutional structures, development of environmental impact assessments and management plans, monitoring of ecological character, involvement of local communities in decision making, education and public awareness. 5 . EMA is additionally developing an avoided deforestation component in the ESA. However, the project will only provide technical assistance in that component and will not contribute any funding to this activity
The Bank brings extensive experience in carbon sinks, mitigation and adaptation activities in Latin America. It has been involved in the development of sink methodologies and in the identification and implementation of adaptation measures in coastal zones. It also brings together considerable expertise in the identification and implementation of mitigation opportunities. The Bank has been involved in the development of GHG detection techniques from surface waters (Colombia: Rio Frio Minimization of GHG emissions in Wastewater Project) and has been instrumental in the transfer of knowledge on climate issues and Kyoto- related opportunities in the region. The Latin American region also has the largest portfolio of adaptation activities including three projects under implementation addressing coastal zones (MACC, SPACC and INAP). The BCF, a publiclprivate initiative administered by the World Bank, aims to deliver cost-effective emission reductions, while promoting biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation. In addition to CDM-eligible activities, the BCF also purchases sinks obtained through ecosystem conservation (i.e., REDD, or in older literature "avoided deforestation"), further contributing, to maintain ecosystems and biodiversity. Further, this operation is a basis for continuation of dialogue with a key player on climate emissions in the region,
3. Sector issues to be addressed by the project and strategic choices
The project contributes to restore the Nariva wetland. As a result of the illegal agricultural encroachment in the Nariva system over the last few decades, the project areas were degraded. There has not been any recovery of the original forest because the extensive. alterations to the topography, hydrology and soil conditions restrict any natural regeneration. Seedlings cannot establish themselves through the dense vegetation and if any seedlings do manage to grow, they cannot compete under the altered conditions with the grass community that is adapted to modified conditions. In addition illegally set fires periodically impact these areas, further preventing any regeneration of deforested areas. Induced restoration is thus required.
The project will contribute to developing a methodology that accounts for the several GHGs that are being emitted and sequestered by wetlands. While there is an approved simplified baseline and monitoring methodology for small scale CDM afforestation and reforestation project activities implemented on wetlands, which the project uses to the extent possible, the project would also support the development of a large scale methodology which is not available today. This large scale methodology would address the issue of mangrove I wetland restoration in a more holistic way by measuring all potential emissions caused by afforestation and reforestation (AIR) activities implemented on wetlands including altered hydrology scenarios. This will be one of the expected outputs of the project6.
Wetlands store an estimated 20-25% of world's soil carbon but are also an important source of biogenic methane and nitrous oxide. Depending on the nature of hydrological intervention in wetland restoration projects, both methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20) formation and consumption can occur in wetland systems. The issue of non-CO2 emissions &om drainage and rewetting of forest soils has been identified by the IPCC as an area for future methodological development (IPCC GPG LULUCF 2003). The 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas lnventories Volume 4 on Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use re-emphasizes that "the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and removals @om restored (..) wetlands remains an area for firrther development." (IPCC AFOLU 2006).
The project will demonstrate how carbon funds can be used in the consewation of ecosystems with biodiversity of global value with relevance as an adaptation measure. The project will contribute to the restoration and conservation of a RAMSAR site, with significant biodiversity assets. The restoration of Nariva will strengthen its natural buffering capacity to high intensity winds and storm surges, providing protection to inland communities and infrastructure. The project ties carbon funds and other resources from public and private sources together.
4. Higher level objectives to which the project contributes The project is consistent with the CAS. The last CAS from 1999 indicates that excessive logging and large number of squatters contribute to land degradation. Major concerns include denudation of forest cover, pollution of coastal and river waters mostly due to economic activity related to oil and natural gas production, and overflow in sewerage systems and landfills due to unmanaged dumps and inadequate waste management facilities. Occasional flooding in low lying areas, sewerage discharge near beaches due to increased yachting, and road traffic congestion and vehicle emissions in Port of Spain are environmental challenges. The project will contribute to halting the degradation caused by deforestation through reforestation and restoration activities.
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. Project development objective The project development objective is to contribute to efforts to restore and consewe the Nariva wetlands, through the recognition of the sewices it provides as a carbon sink and a biodiverse ecosystem. This will be done through actions designed to restore and conserve about 11 60 ha of its associated forest stands. The restoration of the wetlands will result in additional environmental benefits, including reduction of GHG emissions, conservation of endemic species in the area, and recovery of the protection and storm buffering character of the wetland.
The restoration of the natural drainage regime and natural and induced recovery of the original vegetation cover will cause carbon to be sequestered and emission reductions to be caused. The emission reductions would be purchased under a separate Emission Reductions Purchase Agreement.
The BCF intends to purchase approx. 193,000 t COze up to the year 2017 from the small-scale A/R component of the project, resulting form the reforestation of approx. 1160 ha. The A/R component delivers fully Kyoto-compliant tCERs. A letter of intention has already been signed. A letter of no objection from Trinidad and Tobago's DNA has also been received. The project has also the endorsement of the BCF Committee and will be vetted by the Sector Manager for LCSEN. The project also proposes to purchase about 80,000 tons C02 e in mitigation credits under a separate ERPA with other carbon funds up to 2013. Arrangements for this purchase will be done in parallel to the BCF ERPA. The Green Fund of the GOTT will provide the balance financing.
2. Performance indicators The primary performance indicators include:
1. About 194,000 tC02e up in carbon sinks, up to 20 17 to be purchased by the carbon funds, out of which 155,000 t C02e to be purchased by the BCF.
2. Yearly reforestation activities according to the reforestation plan up to 1 160 ha in total with 100% native forest species (list is provided in Annex 1)
3. About 80,000 tons C02 e. up to 2013 in emission reductions from CH4 avoidance to be purchased by other carbon funds.
Location. The Nariva Swamp is located midway along the eastern coast of Trinidad (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 Location of the Nariva Swamp
3. Project components Component one: Carbon sequestration through afforestation and reforestation of selected areas of the Nariva wetland ecosystem. The afforestation 1 reforestation (AIR) component of the project aims at promoting carbon sequestration by increasing the carbon stocks of the entire wetland. This will be monitored and certified applying a simplified baseline and monitoring methodology for small scale afforestation and reforestation activities implemented on wetlands (AR-AMSOOO~).~ The methodology is UNFCCC approved '. Component two: Methane mitigation through restoration of surface hydrology at Nariva. This will be achieved through the restoration of the natural drainage regime. A new Water Resources Management Plan has been drafted, including a detailed field monitoring proposal, to bring back water to marsh areas seeking to restore the hydrologic movement of water through the
The approved small scale AIR CDM methodology can be found at: http://cdm.unfccc.int~UserManagement/FileStorage/CDM~AMS265RZ2~UMD8PHM3BZL7QMDL790
In addition EMA is developing an avoided deforestation component. These activities will not be part of the BCF portfolio.
different interconnected basins that jointly give form to Nariva wetland. Emphasis on restoration of the ecosystem, as well as in the reduction of GHG emissions guides the development of the water plan. As a result of these actions emission reductions will be caused. The emission reductions will be documented through the use of Infrared spectroscopy, using an already accepted EPA protocol, for the measurement of CH4 emissions from surface waters. A new methodology will be proposed as the basis for certified emission reductions.
4. Sustainability and Replicability The local population has an important stake in the success of the project and is strongly behind its implementation. The carbon revenues over time provide an incentive to maintain and tend the newly established forest. The annual carbon revenues directly contribute to the project's sustainability. Resources from avoided deforestation would generate additional income for local farmers through new marketing channels of agricultural products and the sale of carbon emission reductions. Revenues fiom the mitigation of CH4 will be used to support conservation activities in Nariva.
Training and technical assistance to project beneficiaries will be provided by EMA. This will include training on planting and tending / maintenance practices, and particularly fire prevention practices. Furthermore, the project will train participants in state-of-the-art monitoring techniques that create Kyoto-compliant carbon sequestration and mitigation assets.
The Ramsar Project-Forest Fire Protection Plan for Nariva Swamp issued by the Forestry Division in 1999 outlines the main elements necessary for effective and adequate fire management in Nariva. A new Plan draws from this document and complements it through fire training for local fire responders, site assessment of fire problems, overall fire response planning, and community outreach of fire and environmental education.
The environmental benefits of the Nariva restoration project will further strengthen the sustainability of the project through the development of a stable, healthy and species-rich ecosystem. The carbon capture of the A/R component is expected to be maintained for decades after the end of the project as it aims to establish long-lasting native forests that result in additional environmental benefits, including conservation of endemic floral and faunal species, and recovery of the protection and buffer services provided by the coastal wetland.
Replicability : The project is expected to sewe as a catalyst for future expansion of carbon finance-related wetland restoration activities in the entire Caribbean and beyond. With an increasing awareness of the adaptation as well as the climate mitigation potential of wetlands, international attention is being focused on restoration of wetland ecosystems. The combined use of mitigation and carbon sink resources in Nariva, would increase the viability and thus potential replicability of the concept, making these sinks more financially attractive.
5. Alternatives considered and reasons for rejection Project alternatives considered include: using land recently deforested for the A/R component of the project (rejected as it would not meet Marrakesh Accords and land eligibility for CDM project activities); exclusive use of plantations with alien but commercial species (rejected as it
would not meet the emphasis of biodiversity conservation and native wetland restoration).
Major related projects supported by the Bank and/or other development agencies. The project will closely coordinate with ongoing Bank activities to establish a CDM-eligible Program of Activities (PoA) in other wetlands in the region. Experiences gained in C& and N20 field measurements in Nariva are a direct input for the development of a large scale methodology for CDM eligible wetland restoration activities and has been facilitated by the experience with the Rio Frio project. The project activities will also be coordinated with the experience being gained under the Mexico: Adaptation to Climate Impacts in the Gulf of Mexico Wetlands.
6. Lessons learned and reflected in the project design The Bank's work on environmental issues in Trinidad and Tobago builds upon opportunities provided under the Kyoto Protocol through sources such as Carbon Finance (CF). The project is the first LULUCF project being implemented in Trinidad and Tobago under the CDM. The inclusion of the project components will provide experience in the generation of long term carbon revenues. The participation of local subsistence farmers in the implementation of the project will directly contribute to the improvement of their livelihoods. The project will demonstrate how besides supporting mitigation activities (A/R, and the methane / nitrous oxide asset), the BCF is also a tool to address biodiversity protection as a strategic adaptive measure for the island of Trinidad.
Previous CDM projects formulated with World Bank assistance in the region have demonstrated the need to: a) involve the local community in the ownership of the carbon asset, in the process creating a strong incentive for sustainability; b) ensure financial closure prior to completion of Emission Reduction Purchase Agreement (ERPA) discussions; c) maximize the use of tools already developed under the CDM to avoid the additional and complex process of registration of new methodologies. The project has incorporated these lessons into its design.
C. IMPLEMENTATION
1. Institutional and implementation arrangements The project will be implemented by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) with the technical assistance of the T&T Forestry Division and of the Ministry of Agriculture. EMA was established by the Trinidad & Tobago government in 1995. Its mandate is to provide effective leadership in attaining an environmental healthy community and conserving healthy ecosystems for present and future generations. EMA is governed by a non-executive Board of Directors, comprising a chairman and nine members, who are appointed by the president of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and report to the Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment. EMA has successfblly implemented the CCIG grant being used in the formulation and initial implementation of the project. The Nariva project fits with E m ' s priorities in that it will strengthen the national knowledge base on adaptation and mitigation at the time it will generate GHG emission reductions through specific restoration activities in the Nariva swamp.
In mid May 2008 the Board of the EMA has provided US$ 120,000 to start planting. EMA is already sourcing seedlings of the required pioneer upland and swamp forest species older than three months. The seedlings are being supplied partly through the Forestry Division of T&T and in addition through a competitive bidding process between private nurseries already supplying
other reforestation schemes. The Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources and the Environmental Management Authority will initiate the replanting of approximately 1300 Hectares of land, deforested by farmers more than a decade ago in Block B of the Nariva Swamp by August 15th, 2008.
Other Institutional Support. USDA Forestry Division has contributed with technical assistance during the initial preparation phase through the participation of Ducks Unlimited (DU). However, they will not be involved in this implementation phase of the project. Ducks unlimited contribution to the project included the development of a swamp restoration initiative, which will be an integral part of the hydrological component proposed under the PHRD.
Trinidad and Tobago Green Fund (GF) for reforestation and remediation projects. This US$180 million environmental fund managed by the Ministry of Environment will be operational in late June 2008. Recruitment of staff operating the Green Fund has been completed in mid May 2008. The operational structure of the GF has been developed with the help of UNDP based on UNDP's "Small Grants Program" experience. EMA has confirmed the support of the Green Fund to fully fund the project, complementing the anticipated carbon revenues. A commitment letter will be sought as soon as the Green Fund becomes operative and a public request for proposals is launched by the end of June 2008. The ERPA will only be signed after the commitment from the Green Fund is confirmed.
2. Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes/results Bank supervision. The World Bank will supervise technical and safeguard issues starting with the ERPA signature. The World Bank will review in each supervision mission the status of the land plots options for the twelve farmers in Block C. Should any issue arise during supervision, the costs would be covered by the Bank's Carbon Finance Unit (ENVCF). For example, if Bank safeguard policies are violated by the project, carbon payments would be halted immediately and the necessary actions would be taken to reinstate them. This is, however, very unlikely to happen given the nature of this project.
DOE validation & registration. The project sponsor may assign a CDM-accredited DOE and pay directly for the validation of the project. Alternatively, the Bio Carbon Fund (BCF) may pay and deduct the cost from carbon fund payments. Once the project is duly validated, the DOE will forward it to the CDM Executive Board for formal registration. To avoid conflict of interest, the verification / certification of a CDM project must normally be carried out by a different operational entity to that which validated the project in the beginning. However, given the fact that Nariva operates on a small-scale A/R methodology, this rule does not apply.
DOE verflcation & certflcation. Once the project is running, the proponents will monitor it. They will prepare a monitoring report, including an estimate of CERs generated by the project, and will submit it for verification by the operational entity. Following a detailed review of the project, which may include an onsite inspection, the operational entity will produce a verification report and ultimately certify the occurred emission reductions as 'real'. After that the DOE requests the CDM Board to issue Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) accordingly.
3. Critical risks and possible controversial aspects
permanent and/or there is leakage.
Risk Carbon storage is not
Carbon sinks do not meet estimates.
1 Limited experience of EMA monitoring methane and nitrous oxide emissions. Emissions fail to be
M
documented Deforestation is not
Mitigation The project seeks permanence through the selection of systems that will also
abated or forest regeneration fails to occur. Numerous species and systems considered under project may imply complexity of nursery techniques and
produce local benefits. in the form of native species. Payments will be made after verification of carbon sinks. Sources of leakage and measures proposed to be implemented to monitor and account the leakage will be outlined. In addition, the project generates temporary CERs (tCERs) which have been created under the UNFCCC to guarantee that a possible reversal of removals is accounted for. Current estimates are based on TARAM model, which is going to be the standard tool for the ex-ante estimation of forestry CERs in all future BioCF LULUCF projects. The tool is currently certified by an independent third Party. EMA technical team has received proper training in the operation of the OP- FTIR spectrometer. The manufacturer has been working closely with EMA deliveri;lg know-how and additional tools to assess of data produced throughout the monitoring campaigns. In addition ARCADIS will provide technical assistance to EMA related to techniques to monitor methane and nitrous oxide using the OP-FTIR. The project will only pay against measured carbon sinks.
management. I
There is no UNFCCC I M I The TO-16 method for the OP-FTIR developed by EPA will be used as the
M There is a good knowledge base in Trinidad & Tobago in the area of reforestation using local species. A complete reforestation plan has been developed, which includes a list of local species actually present in the wetland that are going to be used.
methodology for estimating methane emissions
basis for the estimation of methane and nitrous oxide emission reductions that result fiom the restoration of Nariva's hydrology. In addition to this a validated numerical model for wetlands emissions will be used as a back-up tool to support first estimations.
Overall risk rating: Moderate
D. APPRAISAL SUMMARY
1. Financial analysis The financial viability of the project is predicated on two grounds: (i) the GOTT has the
resources needed for project implementation, and (ii) long term (several decades) sustainability will be assisted by the revenues from carbon sequestration and GHG emission reduction. The Green Fund is expected to fund the project through a grant.
The Nariva Restoration Initiative will also generate revenues through the sale of ERs. The A/R component will deliver 193,000 tC02e. The expected GHG emission reductions have been estimated at 80,000 tons C02e by 2013. The commercialization of all GHG emission reductions would cover expenses to protect the ESA through a participatory management process with the surrounding communities and the necessary environmental monitoring plan. These revenues complement the resources to be provided by the Green Fund.
2. Economic A cost effectiveness analysis was for the basis of the economic and financial assessment of the project. The main output is the restoration of the ecosystem in the Nariva Swamp and therefore other financial and economic analysis involving the quantification of benefits was less appropriate. Under this type of analysis, planners identify options and select the one that achieves the stated goals of restoration at minimum cost. As of today, identified benefits include biodiversity, cultural patrimony, and carbon sinks benefits. Other likely outcomes relate the development of a CDM methodology to assess carbon sinks in tropical wetlands, and the possible reduction of methane and nitrous oxide production in the wetland as a new water management plan is implemented. The identification of cost components for the reforestation and afforestation activity has been completed and is summarized in Annex 3. However, the identification of costs for activities related to the development of a water management plan and the restoration of the natural drainage regime still requires additional definition which would be made available prior to signing of the corresponding ERPA. A more detailed description of the benefits identified, as well as a summary of the costs of the carbon sinks component is presented in Annex 3.
3. Technical. Under the first component, the Project seeks to reforest about 1 160 ha of wetland. Using the TARAM model, it is estimated that the actual net anthropogenic GHG removals by restoration of soil cover will be 193,000 (t) of C02e (carbon dioxide equivalent) by 201 7.
The project will also cause an anticipated reduction of 80,000 tons of GHG fiom the wetland. The monitoring of current GHG emissions fiom the wetland is being made with an accepted EPA protocol and making use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The estimated baseline emissions have been calculated making use of a wetland simulation model. A conservative ex ante estimate of 10% reduction in GHG emissions has been used based on modeling results. The model is described in the annexes.
Additionality. The project activity will be implemented in areas that historically have remained deforested. This ecosystem has a very small amount of stock of carbon and a stable or declining trend in GHG removals. The baseline and additionality analysis have shown that without the project activity, those areas will remain without arboreal soil cover. The project activity is additional on the basis of:
Barrier due to prevailing practice: The project activity is the "first of its kind" in Trinidad and Tobago and in the Caribbean region. There have not been any reforestation projects involving a freshwater wetland forest in the country; for this reason the project will require specialized technical expertise in this field. The area of wetland restoration is a new CDM project activity. The issue of non-CO;! emissions from drainage and rewetting of forest soils has been identified by the IPCC as an area for future methodological development (IPCC GPG LULUCF 2003). The 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories Volume 4 on Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use re-emphasizes that !'the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions and removals fFom restored ( ..) wetlands remains an area for firther development. " (IPCC AFOLU 2006).
Barriers due to local ecological conditions: a) Degraded soil: Deforestation caused in the past by illegal farming activities, resulted in continued soil degradation. The area's complete abandoning over the years has not led to tree regeneration but to a loss of the original vegetation cover; b) Unfavorable course of ecological succession: The natural re-vegetation rate observed in the deforested area in the past decade shows that dense grasslands would tend to cover the entire area to be reforested, choking out small new trees and avoiding natural forest succession.
A historical detection analysis of the ecosystem shows that the wetland will not recover unaided. This historical detection analysis confirms the momentum to maintain the current status quo in the absence of carbon finance. For monitoring of changes in carbon pools, the monitoring methodology uses a simplified procedure already registered with the CDM Board. Under the non-Kyoto component, the analysis confirms that this activity will not take place without the financial resources provided by the project, in the form of carbon revenues. A summary of monitoring methodologies is included as part of the technical annexes.
Table 1 Summary 01 Estimated CummulativeEmission Reductions per Component at a given Year in tCOse
4. Social. The project will be developed with the active participation of the inhabitants in the area of Nariva. The project scope is the direct result of years of interaction with and participation of the local communities. The forestry plan was drafted in the course of a well designed and executed consultation process, involving the communities in the area of the project. The communities are represented in the institutional arrangements for implementation of the project. The project was developed by EMA, which enjoys a very good reputation in the region. EMA has undertaken a socio-economic characterization of the local farming communities, identifying the following types of landholders: Agricultural worker: temporal worker without land; Low income farmer or peasant: peasant with land that in addition works as a temporal agricultural worker; Medium income farmer or peasant: peasant with land that can work only with his family in his land.
A social impact assessment has been conducted with special emphasis on the impacts caused by the project in Blocks B and C of the project area (see map in Annex 1). While there are no pending social issues in Block B (where the adjacent community of Plum Mitan is located), there are around 12 farmers in Block C (where the adjacent community of Kemaham is located) whose plots would need to be removed from the upper area of Block C and compensated as a consequence of project activities. To date these farmers use the upper area during the rainy season since they can use the lower area only during the dry season because of flooding during the rainy season.
These plots will not be removed until a suitable area has been found to compensate them for losing their access to the upper area. The Ministry of Agriculture is currently working on plans to develop infrastructure works in the lower area which will allow the farmers to cultivate these lands during both seasons. These farmers have been consulted and are willing to accept new plots in the lower area if the proposed changes succeed. Thus EMA will begin the reforestation project in Block B (where there are no pending social issues) which is by far the largest area for reforestation. Once this is underway and once the civil works are finalized in the Kemaham area they will intervene in this second Block (Block C) by first removing the plots and replacing these lands with the new ones available in the lower area. This will be done by the Ministry of Agriculture in close coordination with EMA, after an agreement is signed between EMA and the affected farmers. Considering that this process is expected to take at least 2 years, a Process Framework and an Action Plan are adequate at this stage. Both documents have been prepared by local consultants, reviewed by the Bank and deemed satisfying. A summary can be found in the Social Analysis (Annex 5) of the PAD. The Bank will supervise in each visit the status of the land options for the affected farmers.
Land tenure and Consultation. Nariva has been designated a Special Protection Area and sits on public lands. EMA has conducted a community consultation process in the context of the development of the Management Plan for Nariva and consequently of the formulation of the carbon sink project. The community participated in the original forestry plan. Annex 5 includes a more detailed social analysis.
Socio economic benefits: The mitigation measures proposed in the Nariva Reforestation Scheme - Social Impact Assessment include the creation of new employment opportunities and
the creation of new livelihood opportunities for area residents in addition to those activities associated with land compensation. Over 100 medium term jobs (jobs with duration of 5 years) will be directly created as a result of the proposed reforestation activities in the Nariva Swamp. Additional employment opportunities are recommended in a number of proposed subsidiary activities. Further, restoration of the swamp's degraded areas is expected to help spawn a number of new livelihood options, most prominently the development of a community based ecotourism industry.
5. Environment The project is expected to result in various positive environmental impacts. Anticipated environmental benefits include: global emission reductions of various GHG (COZY N20, C h , development of tools and methodologies for estimating reduction of various GHG through wetland restoration projects, restoration of ecosystem integrity, sustainable forest management, strengthened biodiversity protection and maintenance of environmental services in the project area, strengthened natural buffer service of wetland for inland areas and preservation of rich biodiversity of the ecosystem. All reforestation and restoration activities will be undertaken under a careful planting and hydrology protocol to be developed prior to appraisal, to reduce any negative impact on soil compaction, existing natural stands or soiling of surface waters. The protocol will be supervised by EMA and the forestry division. The restoration of surface hydrology will be attained by the removal of barrier and dykes between the wetland and the Nariva river. This will restore the natural flooding without affecting water tables. No environmental impacts are anticipated as the water flow would be restored to natural cycles.
6. Safeguard Policies. The project triggers the Environmental Assessment (OP/BP 4.01), Forests (OP/BP 4.36), Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4..04) Pest Management (OP 4.09) and Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP 4.12) Operational Policies. The sponsor has prepared a Process Framework to compensate the affected farmers due to restriction of access to arable land within Block C. An environmental impact assessment has been conducted to maximize the positive local and global environmental impacts expected from the reforestation activities (see Annex 6). The proposed Water Resources Management Plan under design will incorporate an environmental management component to minimize negative environmental impacts. The project triggers Pest Management and has prepared a Pest Management Plan which seeks to minimize the use of pesticides. The reforestation plan clearly states that weed control is undertaken manually. Only in very specific situations the use of pesticides might be considered. The forestry policy is triggered by projects with the potential to impact the health and quality of forests or the rights and welfare of people and their level of dependence upon or interaction with forests; or aim to bring about changes in the management, protection or utilization of natural forests or plantations.
I Environmental Assessment (OP 4.0 1, BP 4.01, GP 4.01) I Yes I
Table 1: Applicability of Safeguard Policies to the Precious Wood Project Policy Applicability
I
Natural Habitats (OP 4.04, BP 4.04, GP 4.04)
Forestry (OP 4.36, GP 4.36)
Pest Management (OP 4.09)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cultural Property (OPN 1 1.03)
Indigenous Peoples (OD 4.20)
No
No I
Involuntary Resettlement (OPTSP 4.12) I
Yes
Safety Dams (OP 4.37, BP 4.37)
Projects in International Waters (OP 7.50, BP 7.50, GP 7.50)
7. ERPA conditions and covenants
No
No I
Carbon finance is not part of the World Bank's lending program. There will be no regular loan or additional grant disbursement. The Bank as trustee of the Bio Carbon Fund will make direct payments in accordance with the ERPA. The generic ERPA table of contents is included in the annexes Tn_e second proposed ERPA (for component two) would be signed once the ex ante
Project in Disputed Areas (OP 7.60, BP 7.60, GP 7.60)
ns are confirmed.
Laura Tuck Sector Director
No
ANNEX 1: Detailed Project Description
Project development objective. The project development objective is to contribute to efforts to restore and conserve the Nariva wetlands, part of the Nariva biome through the recognition of the services it provides as a carbon sink and a biodiverse ecosystem. This will be done through actions designed to restore and conserve about 1160 ha of its associated forest stands. The restoration of the wetlands will result in additional environmental benefits, including reduction of GHG emissions, conservation of endemic species in the area, and recovery of the protection and buffer services provided by the coastal wetland of Nariva
Activities under the project include restoration of the natural drainage regime and natural and induced recovery of the original vegetation cover. As a result of these actions, carbon will be sequestered and emission reductions will be caused. The project will only claim Kyoto- compliant credit for carbon sequestered in the afforestation / reforestation component. However, the methane 1 nitrogen mitigation and the REDD component of the project have (i) substantial replication gotential and (ii) involve a potentially significant asset in terms of C02 - equivalents. Restoration of the wetland will strengthen its natural buffer service for inland areas and contribute to preserve the rich biodiversity of the ecosystem.
The BCF intends to purchase approx. 154,000 t C02e up to the year 201 7 fiom the small-scale AIR component of the project, resulting form the reforestation of about 1160 ha. The AIR component delivers fully Kyoto-compliant tCERs. A letter of intention has already been signed. A letter of no objection fiom Trinidad and Tobago's DNA has also been received. The project has also the endorsement of the BCF Committee and has been vetted by the Sector Manager for LCSEN.
Performance indicators The primary performance indicators include: 4. About 194,000 tC02e up in carbon sinks, up to 2017 to be purchased by Carbon Funds,
154,000 to be purchased by the BCF. 5. Yearly reforestation activities according to the reforestation plan up to 11 60 ha in total with
100% native forest species (list is provided in Annex 1) 6. About 80,000 tons C02e. up to 2013 in emission reductions fiom CH4 avoidance to be
purchased by other carbon funds.
9 The global warming potential (GWP) of CH4 is 2 1, the GWP of N20 is 3 10 on a 100 year time horizon.
Table 2 Species recommended for the reforestation of Nariva under the project's AlR component
Location.
The Nariva Swamp is located midway along the eastern coast of Trinidad (see figure 1 above). Nariva is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the Caribbean and has the most varied vegetation of all wetlands in Trinidad and Tobago. Its extensive freshwater swamp complex, permanent herbaceous swamp, seasonally flooded marshes, and mangrove forest support a rich fauna: at least 13 species of birds, notably Ara ararauna (at least highly endangered; probably extinct); various mammals, including manatee (Trichechus manatus, endangered), and various reptiles. The swamp ecosystem is especially important for large numbers of waterfowl and the
main site still sustains populations of anaconda (Eunectes murinus). In addition, it supports considerable populations of mollusks and crustaceans, and several species of fish living and reproducing in the area. In 1992 Trinidad and Tobago designated the Nariva Swamp for the List of Wetlands of International Importance maintained under the Rarris-ar Convention. The Rarnsar records specify the size of the swamp to be 6,234 ha. In December 2006, Nariva was designated an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) Act. The size of the ESA is depicted in Figure 1 above with 1 1,343 ha.
Project components Component one: Enhancement of carbon sequestration through afforestation and reforestation of selected areas of the Nariva wetland ecosystem
The afforestation 1 reforestation (AR) component of the project aims at promoting carbon sequestration to ultimately enhance carbon stocks of the entire swamp ecosystem.
This will be accomplished applying a simplified baseline and monitoring methodology for small scale CDM afforestation and reforestation project activities implemented on wetlands (AR- AMSOOO~) . '~ The methodology is UNFCCC approved and results in high-value CDM LULUCF credits. The AIR project activities are implemented through assisted natural regeneration and tree planting on degraded sites of the wetland. Assisted natural regeneration refers to silvicultural practices that control the competition between grasses 1 shrubs and trees in the swamp. Grasses 1 shrubs potentially out competing the intended tree story are controlled manually to allow the trees to grow. Table 3 summarizes the cumulative carbon sequestration estimates for the AR component of Nariva on a yearly basis.
Table 3 Cumulative C-sequestration estimates for small-scale A/R component of Nariva
Net anthropogenic Project greenhouse gas removals year by sinks I l16Oha
Without the planting activities, the sites would be subject to further degradation. The direct measures and activities undertaken by the project proponents for the establishment of forest on degraded or degrading sites of the wetland do not lead to any changes in hydrology of land
lo The approved small scale N R CDM methodology can be found at: http:Ncdm.unfccc.int/UserManagement/FileStorage/CDM-AMS265RZ2 WRKLUMD8PHM3BZL7QMDL790
subjected to A/R project activity. No drainage, flooding, digging or ditch blocking occurs on the sites chosen for the AIR component.
According to documentation received from the project proponent no displacement of pre-project grazing or agricultural activities or fuel wood collection will take place. Thus, no deforestation attributable to the project activity will occur outside the project boundary (i.e., leakage can be assumed to be zero).
The proposed silvicultural system for Nariva is geared to general principles of plant succession in the swamp forest. The silvicultural system referred to here is not a traditional timber production system; it rather refers to a system of establishing forest cover and shaping it to form woods of a distinctive form, without necessary reference to timber yield. Silvicultural activities would essentially involve start-up planting and establishment of a shelterwood of robust pioneer species to be followed by natural and induced in-filling with less robust pioneer species, shade- bearers, and wildlife fruiting species. The aforementioned system is called "Facilitated Succession System".
Ultimately, the Facilitated Succession System would sequester approx. 193,000 tCERs up to 2017, which are fully Kyoto-compliant. Furthermore, the establishment of native forests will result in additional environmental benefits, including conservation of endemic floral and faunal species, and recovery of the protection and buffer services provided by the coastal wetland as a whole.
The following map shows the areas where the reforestation activities will take place:
Legend
Reforestation Sectors
Forest Reserves
Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary
\ J
Al - 48 Ha B1- 1131.6 Ha 82- 32 Ha C1- 126.65 Ha
Component two: Methane I nitrous oxide mitigation asset through restored surface hydrology. This will be achieved through the restoration of the natural drainage regime. A new Water Resources Management Plan has been drafted, including a detailed field monitoring proposal, to bring back water to marsh areas seeking to recapture the hydrologic movement of water through the different interconnected basins that jointly give form to Nariva Swamp. Emphasis on restoration of the ecosystem, as well as in the reduction of GHG emissions guided the development of the water plan. As a result of these actions emission reductions will be caused. Restoration of the wetland will strengthen its natural buffer service for inland areas and contribute to preserve the rich biodiversity of the ecosystem. The emission reductions will be documented through the use of Infrared spectroscopy, using an already accepted EPA protocol, for the measurement of CH4 emissions from surface waters.
Methane and wetlands - brief scientific background:
Methane (C&) is produced by organic decomposition in anaerobic environments, and contributes substantively to atmospheric warming. Wetlands (including paddy fields) contribute 20% to 50% of the total methane in the atmosphere (Kusmin et al. 2006). The proportion of decomposition-derived carbon produced as CH4 vs. C02 (carbon dioxide) mainly depends on sediment conditions, primarily redox status ("redox" is shorthand for "reducing/oxidizing conditions" and is a measure of oxygen deficiency. Low oxygen levels engender reducing conditions, favoring methane; higher oxygen levels favor carbon dioxide). On an annual basis, the ratio of methane to carbon dioxide can be as high as 113 in permanently wet anoxic sediments (Pendall et al. 2004).
Methane production and net eMux from sediment through overlying water to the atmosphere depend on a number of parameters that vary on a site-specific basis. In addition to oxidation I reduction status of sediment and the water column, these parameters include
temperature, saturation, quantity and form of organic carbon substrates available for decomposition, microbial community presence (abundance, diversity, activity), sediment porosity and grain size distribution, vegetation community, possibly faunal activity (bioturbation and burrowing), and others.
In the course of a year, conditions can change so that carbon dioxide production and methane production alternate and the net annual efflux depends on the time-scaled production ratios. In addition, ecosystem conditions can change directionally over time in a process known as ecological succession, so that a larger time trend is superimposed on annual changes.
Methods are available for measuring, modeling, and monitoring decomposition gas generation and efflux fiom sediments. Given the multiple scales of interaction and the number of parameters that affect methane production, it is important that investigators ask rigorously defined questions to assure that measurements appropriate to the research needs can be identified. Measurements taken for one specification may not be useful for another.
Methane and Nariva Swamp
Based on available information the Nariva Swamp appears to have a number of characteristics likely to favor high levels of methane generation from the wetland as a whole. The swamp conformation is as a series of basins saturated by low-gradient flow constrained by natural levees behind the sea beach. Vegetation is and has been abundant, organic content of the sediment is undoubtedly high. Tropical temperatures, low frequency of disruptive storms, fine sediments and a deep sediment column likely contribute to a strong element of anoxia in the sediment system.
Net atmospheric efflux of methane from Nariva Swamp sediments is a result of anaerobic decomposition in the sediment column minus any methane oxidation at the sedimentlwater interface minus oxidation in the water column. Diffusive methane efflux can be enhanced by direct transfer through plant tissue and by formation of bubbles that carry methane to the water column from depth in the sediments. At the same time, hollow structures in macrophytic vegetation ("macrophytes" are large plants like herbs, grasses, shrubs and trees vs. "microphytes" like microscopic algae) and oxygenation associated with the rhizosphere ("rhizosphere" is the distinctive and differentiable communities of organisms closely surrounding the roots and rhizomes of wetland plants in the sediment. The rhizosphere is often a zone of relatively high oxygen levels and high biotic activity) can reduce the net load of methane in transition to the water column.
Presently, data is available for methane levels measured in the air column about 2 meters above the surface of the swamp for both up- and down-wind sites. Clearly such data have relatively high uncertainties given the number of uncontrolled parameters and the potential for temporal changes in methane efflux. However, such measurements have the advantage of being integrative, albeit over generally unknown spans of space and time. For a first approximation regarding the potential for restoration of more generally oxic conditions to Nariva, these data could be used, along with broad assumptions based on the existing literature, to answer the central question: does it appear that reduction of methane efflux via wetland restoration could provide sufficient offset benefit to make it worth considering in the context of the total restoration package? The answer to this question strongly appears to be "yes", although a "yes" open to consideration given the fact that the second proponent would develop a detailed methodology to create a high-value mitigation asset.
Several studies have been conducted to quantify the rate or quantities of methane flux from wetlands. Results of these studies generally agree on the amount of oxidation that occurs to the base quantity of methane that is released from the anaerobic portion of sediments to the aerobic layer of sediments or to the water column. Juutinen (2003) monitored methane release from a Scandinavian wetland. The study found that the maximum amount of methane was released when the water table (or upper extent of the anaerobic layer) was at the same elevation as the sediment surface. Methane release to the air approached "0" when it had to dif ise through a 40 cm aerobic soil layer or up to 80 cm of surface water (Juutinen et al. 2003). Teh et al. (2005) monitored methane flux in tropical wetlands, at both high and low oxygen sites. The upper layer of soils (0 to 15 cm-assumed aerobic) contained approximately 82 to 92% less methane than the lower (49 to 60 cm-assumed anaerobic) soil layers (Teh et al. 2005). Whalen (2005) reviewed available methane production literature and notes the diffusion coefficient of methane
passing from anaerobic to aerobic layers of soil is between 10-1 and 10-2 c d s , and diffusion coefficient of water is between 10-5 and 10-6 c d s .
Based on these findings, it appears that the integrative air-column measurements likely represent a substantively higher quantity of methane produced in the sediments and subject to various constraints on passage to the monitoring points. It appears that it would be worthwhile for the restoration team to prepare as a first step of the methodology development a closer analysis of the potential for methane production and methane efflux fiom Nariva swamp." It should be noted that methane production monitoring in wetlands has produced highly variable results. This is due to the sporadic release of methane "bubbles" trapped in sediments into the air in a process called 'ebullition'. This release occurs too rapidly to allow for oxidation or biodegradation of the methane. Estimates of the amount of methane released from ebullition vary. Tokida et a1 (2005) measured the gas phase in sediments below the water table to range from 0% to 19% containing up to 50% methane by volume. Whalen's review estimated that 1 % to 17% of methane emissions from wetlands may be attributed to the release of trapped gas.
Nariva Water Resources Management Plan
Historical Background
In 1999, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (TT), with the collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Inc. (DU) and the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and various national experts, prepared a work plan for the Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative (Ducks Unlimited, 1999)12. The proposed plan aimed at implementing some of the recommendations of the Nariva Swamp Management Plan and the environmental impact assessment undertaken by the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) for the Forestry Division of TT. The plan focused on the restoration of the hydrology, aquatic vegetation and forests, and on the implementation of a fire-fighting program for the area. In order to establish baseline information on the historical and present conditions of the Nariva Swamp and to help guide more specific restoration recommendations, additional detailed studies are required to support an Integrated Land-Water approach to the planned restoration efforts.
A detailed multi-date land-use change detection analysis has been conducted to construct physical restoration scenarios, the hydrological and reforestation recommendations, and the management and monitoring plans (Ducks Unlimited, 2005)13. The landscape restoration scenario contemplates a land cover baseline similar to the conditions in the early 1970's. The recommended restoration scenario is based on analysis of six decades of information that provide an idea of the evolution of the vegetation under the different disturbance conditions. While the suggested restoration goals reflect the early 1970's ecosystem composition, it should be realized
" The initial effort for this might be a "white paper" summarizing available methane measurements and presenting in greater detail the parameters known fiom the literature to affect methane production and efflux. This "white paper" could serve as a foundation for asking more rigorous questions to be answered by additional monitoring taking key site-specific parameters into account. l2 Nariva Initiative - Terms of Reference and Work Plan. Unpublished report to the Forestry Division, Ministry of Agriculture Lands and Marine Resources, Government of Trinidad and Tobago. l3 Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative: Historical change detection analysis restoration scenario and work plans. Report submitted to the Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment.
that vegetation communities at that time had not yet reached a new stable distribution in response to the altered hydrological conditions and changes in water flow imposed by the Navet dam.
The Water Resources Management Plan, WRMP, has to be compatible with the Nariva Restoration Initiative, as described by DU and adopted by EMA. This WRMP is the response to the many alterations the swamp area has been subjected to. These alterations are described below, followed by a basic description of the main hydraulic works contemplated as result of the WRMP. The expected emissions of methane and nitrous oxide are presented next. The basic hydrologic monitoring plan is then summarized.
Anthropogenic influences in the water flow through Nariva's swamps
A close observation of aerial photographs and satellite imagines of Nariva indicate that the area classified as marsh is a complex of several basins interconnected through loosely defined canals. All the water entering the Nariva Swamp complex leaves the system at one point; the Nariva river sea outlet. The Nariva River acts as the main collector of the water draining the system of interconnected water bodies. The Land and Water Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources understood the importance of this collector as an important feature through which to control water level in the entire complex. In the 1950's the Plum Mitan Rice Scheme (Sector A) was developed. It started at the request of local farmers. Approximately 500 ha of wetlands and forest were converted into agricultural plots and a series of drainage and irrigation canals were constructed. The objective was to accommodate the demands for small land holdings for the inhabitants of Plum Mitan.
In the 1960s the Navet Dam was built upstream to divert water from the Navet River to the developments in the area of San Fernando on the west coast. This significantly reduced the flow of water into the Nariva system.
Since 1950s several studies have been carried out to determine the potential of the marsh for agricultural development, and some incorporated suggestions for aquaculture projects. These include various initiatives funded by international agencies including FA0 (1957, 1985), OTCA (1 967,1970), and NEDECO (1 983). By 199 1 the Institute of marine affairs advised the Ministry of the Environment and National Service to study the extent of habitat destruction in Nariva; stop further expansion of rice cultivation; restrict hunting and fishing activities; and give priority to aquaculture projects over agriculture ones.
The main manmade hydraulic structure in the Nariva landscape is the Petit Poole canal, a straight canal running from West to East that collects all influents to the swamp and drain them directly to the Nariva River. The Petit Poole canal cuts through the eastern sand bar that gives origin to the marshs and by doing so limits water elevation and water fluctuations in the swamp, drains Sector A and surrounding areas, controls or limits flooding during the wet season, and opened the opportunity to reclaim additional "marginal areas" which demanded further water control structures.
These interventions reduced water volumes flowing to and changed the water circulation in the Nariva swamp complex with the following hydrologic implications: (a) By creating a fast lane
for water to travel from the entrance to Nariva swamp to the outlet, less water is available to fill the different marshes or water basins; (b) Less water delivered to basins implies greater retention times -water will remain, on average, more time in the basin a condition that approaches "stagnant" waters; (c) As water remains more time in the basins its temperature increases, dissolve oxygen concentration decreases and facilitates the creation of anoxic conditions; (d) in environments without oxygen methane is form through the biological decomposition of organic matter; (e)The construction of the drainage canal lowers the water level in all basin, a condition that favors higher water temperatures, as solar radiation works on a smaller volume of water; (f) water fluctuation are also damped as a large fraction of the incoming water is washed out through the fast lane canal. The above described hydrologic changes foster the production of methane in the marsh area.
Water Resources Management Plan, WRMP
The primary purpose of this hydrologic study is to support the integrated land-water Nariva Restoration Initiative, through the development of a water resources management plan for the Nariva Swamp. The plan has to be compatible with the restoration scenario and various work plans as outlined in the Initiative report (Ducks Unlimited, 2005). The landscape restoration scenario contemplates a land cover baseline similar to the conditions in the early 1970's given that it is not possible to restore the natural water flows.
The WRMP is the result of the following tasks: (a)Update existing cartography; (b) Conduct a geomorphologic survey; (c) Conduct a soils survey (agronomic class; OM content; soil evolution); (d) Develop a land zoning proposal; (e) Undertake a hydrological analysis; (f) Conduct a land survey; (g) Conduct basic hydraulics studies; and, (h) Produce a water resources management plan.
The main results are a set of strategic water control structures that establish the main water flows through the different water basins. Hydrologic models are used to simulate water flows through existing and enhanced connections. In order to study the actual flows through the swamps a detailed monitoring plan accompanies the proposed water control structures. The monitoring plan will guide the "fine tuning" of the operation of the water system. Completion of this plan is a condition for signing of the SCF ERPA.
Estimation of GHG emissions
Modeling wetland behavior for the estimation of GHG emission is conducted through computer simulation models. Gedney, et. al. (2004) utilize a relatively simplistic model. Cui, Li and Tretton (2005), on the other hand, have developed a more sophisticated denitrification- decomposition (DNDC) model that accounts for the secondary effects creating a complicated network of feedbacks at different spatial and temporal scales. The DNDC model was utilized to create preliminary estimates of methane emission for Nariva Swamp.
What is Known About Controls on CH4 ~ rn i s s ions '~ I Under anoxic soil conditions, methanogenic archaea produce CH4 principally by the fermentation of acetate and/or oxidation of hydrogen using C02 as electron acceptor. Much of the CI& produced is subsequently oxidized by methanotrophic bacteria. The rest is transported to the atmosphere via bubbling and difision, or escapes through the aerenchyma of certain vascular plants. The water table position determines the depth of maximum C h production. Temperature influences the rates of CH4 production and oxidation and also the net primary production (NPP), and thereby the quality and quantity of the organic substrate for CH4 production. These processes have been relatively well studied in temperate and boreal bogs and fens- --far less so in tropical wetlands.
Results from DNDC model runs are provided for a set of conditions that represent the existing and expected hydrology in the swamp complex. A Base Scenario describes the average condition found in the swamp complex. The hydrology is described by water levels recorded at a point in Sector A at the entrance to the area of interest. Climate data uses available temperature records. Vegetation is characterized by default values found in the technical literature for marsh herbaceous vegetation. Finally, soils are characterized by the analysis of very sparse actual local data on soil classification (generic) complemented with default information taken fiom literature reviews. (Data used is described in detail in Annex 13.) Under this scenario water fluctuates between 0.38 m and 1.35 m. This base line condition is representative of the main water bodies or marsh area, where water is present year around with a total water level fluctuation of around 1.0 m. Under this scenario the GHG emissions calculated are summarized in the table below:
Base Scenario (Clay)
Greenhouse gas I co2 I N20 I cI&
I a m 1 44.3 ton Cole /ha 1 0.4 ion C02e /ha 1 188.5 ton C02e /ha 1 Flux rate
Nitrous oxide emissions are found to be very small and negligible for the conditions prevalent in Nariva. Methane emissions on the other hand do represent the bulk of the contribution of the GHG to the atmosphere and global warming potential.
12077 Kg C/ha
]Vet GWP
The same general conditions were simulated anew with slight changes in key parameters to identify their relative importance. For example, the previous results were obtained for a clay soil. A change to a Clay-Loam soil produced the following results:
233.2 ton C02e /ha
l4 The WORKSHOP "THE ROLE OF NATURAL WETLANDS IN THE GLOBAL CH4 CYCLE was held 14-16 June, 2004, IN FAILAND near Bristol, U.K.
0.9 Kg N/ha 6732 Kg C/ha
Soil characteristics play a fundamental role in the estimation of methane emissions. Two similar soils, clay and clay-loam, are shown to produce very different GHG emission potential. Estimates range from 230 ton C02e/ha for clay to 480 ton C02e/ha for clay-loam. It is therefore strongly recommended to increase our knowledge of the soil type distribution among the different water bodies in the complex before offering a more precise estimate.
Base Scenario (Clay-Loam)
Two scenarios additional scenarios were used to describe conditions once the WRMP is fully implemented. Under Scenario 1 the marsh areas are allow to be flooded by controlling the water flow at the outlet structure of Petit Poole canal. Water level fluctuation is increased from a minimum of 0.38m to a maximum of 2.38 m, while all other conditions remain unchanged. The assessed emissions are:
Greenhouse gas
Flux rate
GWP
Net GWP
Scenario 2 explore the sensibility of the swamp complex to a hydraulic condition were the minimum water depth is increased from 0.38 m to 0.60 m. Such condition might occur as contemplated in the WRMP. The results are:
co2 12132 Kg C/ha
44.5 ton CO2e /ha
Scenario 1: The swamp water depth fluctuation restored (from 0.38 m to max 2.38m)
Greenhouse gas
Flux rate
GWP
Net GWP
The information available to estimate GHG emissions is still incomplete, given that some field work is still needed to better describe the general environmental conditions in the marsh area; in particular the soil type spatial distribution.
476.9 ton C02e /ha
N20
0.0 Kg N/ha
0.0 ton C02e /ha
Scenario 2: Hydraulic structures adjusted: water fluctuates from 0.6 m to 2.38 m
c& 15444 Kg C/ha
432.4 ton C02e /ha
co2 12077 Kg C/ha
44.3 ton C02e /ha
Flux rate
GWP
Net GWP
233.2 ton C02e /ha
N20
0.9 Kg N/ha
0.4 ton C02e /ha
13167 Kg C/ha
48.3 ton C02e /ha
c& 6732 Kg C/ha
188.5 ton C02e /ha
258.1 ton C02e /ha
0.0 Kg N/ha
0.0 ton C02e /ha
7495 Kg C/ha
209.8 ton C02e /ha
Around 1,200 ha are, at present, covered by marsh in Nariva. Preliminary estimation of the total methane emissions, based on the simulations run, fluctuates from around 230 ton C02e /ha-year to 480 ton C02e ha-year. GHG emission level fiom methane are estimated in the range from 200,000 ton C02e/year to 450,000 ton C02e ha-year. Given this level of uncertainty the emission estimates remain very imprecise.
Monitoring Plan The monitoring plan is a very comprehensive exercise to detect the levels of GHG production in Nariva. In addition to the specific monitoring proposals for each major project component, the WRMP will have its specific mechanism to collect the data needed to manage the system and reduce GHG. The WRMP is in the process of defining the hydraulic control structures required to restore the hydrologic working of the marsh area to conditions similar to those found in 1970, previous to the construction of the Plum Mitan scheme. Each hydraulic structure will include simple water monitoring level, so as to build a good record of the hydraulic conditions in the swamp. Moreover, water survey will measure: water discharge; water temperature; dissolve oxygen; methane dissolved; cations and anions.
Next steps Although much have been learned through the project formulation stage, and scientific documentation supports the basic hypothesis on which the project is founded, the emission reduction estimates for the second component would benefit of more extensive data collection (underway). From literature reviews and from the analysis produced through the DNDC the expected emission are preliminary estimates in the range between 25,000 and 60,000 ton C02elyear.
Sustainability and Replicability. The first component of the project is expected to sequester about 193,000 tC02, up to 2017 as shown in Table 3. The carbon revenues over time provide an incentive to maintain and tend the newly established forest. The annual carbons 'payments on delivery' directly contribute to the project's sustainability. Revenues fiom the mitigation of CI& will be used to support conservation activities in Nariva. The local population has an important stake in the success of the project and is strongly behind its implementation.
Training and technical assistance to project beneficiaries will be imparted by EMA with the assistance the Tropical Re-Leaf Foundation to ensure sustainability of the project activities. This will include training on planting and tending / maintenance practices, and particularly fire prevention practices.
At present there are 35 volunteer fire patrol members living in the three communities surrounding the swamp, but additional fire patrol personnel are needed. Further training in fire tactics and fire safety to develop a comprehensive fire response plan is also necessary. The fire patrol members trained in the Nariva area could eventually be called for fires elsewhere in the country, which is a positive spill-over effect that also generates income locally.
The Ramsar Project-Forest Fire Protection Plan for Nariva Swamp issued by the Forestry
Division in 1999 outlines the main elements necessary for effective and adequate fire management in Nariva. However, a lack of resources calls the continued success of the plan into question. Several items need to be reinforced as part of the project's implementation. These include: fire training for local fire responders, site assessment of fire problems, overall fire response planning, and community outreach of fire and environmental education. These arrangements are currently under review and a Fire Protection Plan for Nariva is part of the first and second project component.
Furthermore, the project will train participants in state-of-the-art monitoring techniques that create Kyoto-compliant carbon sequestration assets under the first component of the project. The simplified baseline and monitoring methodology for small scale CDM afforestation and reforestation project activities implemented on wetlands outline the key necessary steps to create a high-value carbon asset.
The environmental benefits of the Nariva restoration project will fi-uther strengthen the sustainability of the project through the development of stable, healthy and species-rich ecosystem. The carbon capture of the A/R component is expected to be maintained for decades after the end of the project since the aforementioned Facilitated Succession System aims to establish long-lasting native forests that result in additional environmental benefits, including conservation of endemic floral and faunal species, and recovery of the protection and buffer services provided by the coastal wetland.
The net GHG mitigation potential of the project is conservative because the following components have not been included in the estimations of C capture: The C stored in the biomass of shrubs and documented increases in soil organic carbon following an N R activity
The project is expected to serve as a catalyst for future expansion of carbon finance-related wetland restoration activities not only in T&T but in the entire Caribbean and beyond. With an increasing awareness of both, the adaptation as well as the climate mitigation potential of wetlands, international efforts are increasing to actively restore wetland ecosystems. Restoration of wetlands through complementary activities as in the case of Nariva can help maintain the quality of wetlands and their surrounding ecosystems and minimize GHG emissions while at the same time accommodating the human need for development. Today, however, wetlands are amongst the most threatened ecosystems worldwide and continue to be degraded and lost at high rates. The most common threads to wetlands in general, as to the ESA of Nariva in particular, include drainage for agriculture, encroachment by settlers or urbanization, and pollution from agricultural and industrial sources.
Worldwide, around 50% of wetlands are estimated to have disappeared since 1900. While most of this loss occurred in the northern temperate zones during the first half of the previous century, tropical and sub-tropical wetlands have also been disappearing rapidly since the 1950s (Wetlands International, 2007).
ANNEX 2: Implementation Arrangements
Relevant institutions in Nariva
The IVariva Swamp has traditionally been managed by a number of State Institutions. The Commissioner of State Lands has overall responsibility for all the lands in the swamp but has vested some of these lands in other State agencies. The Forestry Division is a key agency. Part of the Ortoire Nariva Windbelt Reserve falls within the Nariva Swamp ESA. It is vested in the Forestry Division and this Reserve is one of the Reserves in the South East Conservancy which is overseen by an Assistant Conservator of Forests. The Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary is part Forest Reserve and part State Land, but the Wildlife Section of the Forestry Division enforces the provisions of the Conservation of Wildlife Act here. The Ramsar Site, which encompasses the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, is largely State Land but is the responsibility of the Forestry Division since it was proclaimed a Prohibited Area under the provision of the Forests Act.
Lands in the Plum Mitan and Kernaham areas have also been vested in the Ministry of Agriculture for agricultural projects. The Departments of Land Administration, Extension and Land and Water Development are key agencies in this Ministry. In terms of policy making for the Nariva Swamp, a cabinet-appointed Committee, the National Wetlands Committee, performs an advisory function. It is comprised of representatives from Forestry Division; Environmental Management Authority; Tobago House of Assembly; Institute of Marine Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources; Department of Life Sciences, University of the West Indies; Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust; and the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago. The Committee is currently preparing a revised national Wetlands Policy.
With the designation of the Nariva Swamp as an ESA, the entire area will now fall under the aegis of a Nariva Swamp ESA Management Committee, which is yet to be installed and become operational. Typically ESA management committees have been headed by a representative of the EMA or the Forestry Division, however, the structure of the committee is open to modification dependent on the needs of the ESA's stakeholders. For the implementation of the Nariva Reforestation Scheme, the Forestry Division has been named as the Executing Agency, but all the activities of the agencies operating in the ESA will be coordinated by the EMA under the provisions of the EMA Act.
Project Implementation arrangements
The project will be implemented by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) with the technical assistance of the Forestry Division and the ministry of agriculture. EMA's mandate is to provide effective leadership in attaining an environmental healthy community and conserving healthy ecosystems for present and future generations. EMA is governed by a non-executive Board of Directors, comprising a chairman and nine members, who are appointed by the president of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and report to the Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment. Future strategic alliances for implementation are explored at this time, for example with the Center for Forested Wetlands Research, USDA Forest Service, Charleston, SC, USA.
EMA has four functional departments: corporate management, legal & policy, education & public awareness, and environmental resource management. Among its main functions are to: (i) make recommendations for a National Environment policy; (ii) develop and implement policies and programs for management and wise use of the environment; (iii) co-ordinate environmental management functions; (iv) promote educational and public awareness programs on the environment including climate change issues; (v) develop national environmental standards and criteria; (vi) establish and co-ordinate institutional linkages locally, regionally and internationally. EMA follows its own strategic plan which is renewed every five years. This plan is aimed at defining the most relevant environmental and human health goals that would have most profound impacts on population.
The Environmental Management Authority has been very active in the area of climate change through numerous nationwide educational programs to build awareness among communities about the impacts of climate change and ways in which they could contribute to tackle the problem. The Nariva project will contribute to EMA priorities in that it will strengthen the National knowledge base on adaptation and mitigation at the time it will generate GHG emission reductions through specific restoration activities in the Nariva swamp. The nature of the aforementioned restoration activities includes reforestation, REDD activities, and improvement of the swamp's actual hydrologic regime. These will directly contribute to: (i) the protection of unique wetland ecosystems and (ii) the resilience of water basins vulnerable to sea level rise.
The project sponsor has carried out a Social Assessment (in project files) as well as a Process Framework and an Action Plan (in project files, summarized in Social Annex of the PAD) in compliance with OP 4.12 (Involuntary Resettlement).
ANNEX 3: Financial Analysis
The Nariva Restoration Initiative will generate revenues through the sale of ERs. The AIR component will deliver 193,000 tC02e. Furthermore, the expected methane emission reductions from the restoration program, additional dissolve oxygen flowing through the system, has been preliminarily estimated at 20,000 tC02e per year.
In addition, the financial viability of the projects in ensured by the availability of resources from the GOTT. The GOTT has created a Green Fund, to be executed by EMA through NGOs and CBOs for the purpose of improving the protection and preservation of the country's environmental assets. The Fund collects its revenue through a simple surcharge in each contract signed and has been accumulating since 2002. Today the Green Fund has over US$150 million available.
The identification of cost components includes investment and operational costs, as well as monitoring costs until the appropriate operational schedule is defined. A more detail definition of the costs for the water management component is still in process, and will be included in a later version of this document.
The costs of the afforestation and reforestation component are more clearly identified, and a summary of them is presented in the Table below.
Table Indicative Cost s for the AIR Component of the Project in US$
The costs presented in the table above currently consider the afforestation and reforestation of 1,300 hectares.'' The project proposes a four year schedule. The first year, 2008, covers nursery establishment, land preparation and initial planting activities with externally purchased seedlings, while the remaining 3 years cover nursery operation, tree planting and maintenance and fire protection of the reforested forest.
Investment cost for the nursery include site surveys, detailed design, site preparation, construction of the potting and mixing shed areas as well as the paved and potbed areas, the fencing of the property, the connection to utilities (water and electrification), purchase of gear (boots and coveralls), equipment (e.g., water pump, wheelbarrows, shovel, etc), and materials for producing the seedlings (e.g., seeds, topsoil, manure, etc). The operation and maintenance (O&M) costs of the nursery mainly refer to labor and payment of utility bills.
Investment costs for reforestation mainly refer to the cleaning of the planting area, plus the purchase of gear and equipment (e.g., brushing cutlass, gilpin cutlass and fire equipment, etc). O&M will cover labor, while project management expenses will pay for a project manager, three forest supervisors and monthly travel of all these professionals.
l5 The project identified 1300 ha to be suitable for A/R activities. For reasons of conservativeness the ER estimates presented above are based on a more conservative planting schedule of only 1160 ha.
Annex 4. Economic Analysis
Biodiversity benefits: The restoration of this ecosystem is particularly important for its diversity and the species it sustain:
The Nariva Swamp is the largest and most diverse wetland system in the country, with 15,568 ha of distinct zones of four major wetland vegetation types: mangrove swamp forest, palm forest, swamp wood and freshwater marsh. This area contributes to a rich biodiversity by providing habitat for numerous species of flora and 300 species of animals. It supports considerable populations of mollusks and crustaceans, and several species of fish live and reproduce in the area. It is especially important for large numbers of waterfowl and it is the major wetland in Trinidad which still sustains endangered and protected species including Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), with a population being placed at between 20 to 30 individuals primarily located in the Big Pond/Nariva River. Additionally, it was home to the blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) which became extinct, but were recently reintroduced in 1999, and it is home to the Red-bellied Macaw that is currently listed as a vulnerable species in Trinidad and Tobago. Both macaw species are dependant upon the Moriche and Roystonea Palm for roosting, nesting and feeding. The swamp also sustains some commercially valuable species: cascadoux, crab, and black conch.
Cultural patrimony benefits: The swamp was designated a "Wetland of International Importance, Especially as Waterfowl Habitat" in 1993 under the Rarnsar Convention on Wetlands. The Nariva Swamp qualifies under several of the Convention's criteria for identifying internationally important sites:
o it is a particularly good representative example of a natural or near-natural wetland, characteristic of the appropriate biogeographical region;
o it supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or subspecies of plant or animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of any one or more of these species;
o it is of special value as the habitat of plants or animals at a critical stage of their biological cycle;
o it regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl, indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity.
Carbon sinks benefits: The Nariva Swamp is an important sink of carbon, not only in the vegetation but in its organic soils. Moreover, the proposed water resources management plan seeks to reduce the production of GHGs that are naturally produced in the wetland, but that have been intensified by the degradation from years of neglect and poor management. These benefits are preliminarily determined by the existence of carbon revenues from the implementation of afforestation and reforestation as well as methane and nitrous oxide mitigation activities. The carbon assets will yield an estimated US$1.88 million in revenues. Carbon revenues are crucial as they provide the long term incentive for the protection and preservation of the environmental sensitive area management plan. Initially, for the first 5 years the volume of carbon capture will be secured by the purchase agreement with the Bio Carbon Fund from 20 1 1 until 20 17. Later on,
because the project will be registered with the UIVFCCC for a period of 20 years, with the potential of two same length period renewals, accrual of revenues are expected to continue ensuring the sustainability of the project over a substantial time horizon (up to 60 years).
Reforestation and Afforestation Costs. The detailed reforestation and afforestation scheme developed for Nariva included the analysis of the costs required to achieve the 1,300 hectares reforestation target. A four year schedule has been proposed, as summarized in Table 4. The first year, 2008, covers nursery establishment, land preparation and initial planting activities with externally purchased seedlings, while the remaining 3 years cover nursery operation, tree planting and maintenance and fire protection of the reforested forest.
Table 4 Indicative Cost Table for the AIR Component of the Project in US%
I TOTAL Costs $143,744 849,647 1,008,442 1,170,812 957,242 1,181,143 334,335 120,360 0 0 5,765,724
The definition of costs for the water management plan is still in process. The identification of cost components includes investment and operational costs, as well as monitoring costs until the appropriate operational schedule is defined. Costs considered for both financial and economic analysis will be the same, with an adjustment for taxes/transfers for the latter. The total costs of the water management plan will be covered by the Green Fund.
ANNEX 5: Social Analysis
A social impact assessment has been conducted. The table below summarizes the main impacts expected as a consequence of the project:
The objective of the Reforestation Scheme is the re-establishment of pre-existing ecological conditions of portions of the swamp through the restoration of specified types of land cover. The Nariva swamp was once home to a large number of animal species. However, continual destruction of portions of the swamp over years has reduced these populations as well as forcing wildlife into the few areas of protected habitat. The species of trees recommended for the reforestation plan were assessed for their ability to attract wildlife, recognizing that restoration of wildlife habitats was an important objective of the initiative.
The project generates a number of important social benefits. Fishing used to provide a livelihood for many residents of the area; however, stocks have dwindled in recent years in part due to the many alterations to the swamp's ecological and hydrological characteristics. Illegal fishing practices and over fishing have also contributed to reduced fisheries. The Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative, of which the reforestation scheme is one part and hydrological restoration another, will contribute significantly to improved fisheries habitats, thus aiding the resumption of fishing as a livelihood.
The project is expected to generate positive impacts for the ecotourism industry. Improved habitats and the return of fauna to restored sections of the swamp have implications for the ecotourism potential of the swamp and the ability of swamp communities to develop the livelihood potential arising from ecotourism.
The project triggers the involuntary resettlement policy because it will limit access to agricultural land by some agricultural squatters. A social impact assessment has been conducted with special emphasis on the impacts caused by the project in Blocks B and C of the project area. While there are no pending social issues in Block B, there are around 12 farmers in Block C whose plots would need to be removed and compensated as a consequence of project activities.
Block C has two distinct ecological floors, the lower and the upper area. The lower one is used by the farmers during the dry season and the upper one during the rainy season because the lower one gets flooded in the rainy season and no agriculture can be developed without access to the upper area. The upper area that is used by these farmers will have to be replaced by suitable
lands once the project starts there. The solution is in the hands of the Ministry of Agriculture which plans to develop infrastructure works in the lower area which will allow the farmers to cultivate these lands during both seasons.
These farmers have raised their concerns about losing their plots in the upper area since they have been cultivating this area for more than 30 years. EMA is fully aware of this critical issue and is committed not to displace these fanners from the upper area until a feasible alternative is available. The farmers have been informed of the works the Ministry of Agriculture is planning and would be willing to accept having new plots in the lower area if indeed these changes do work. The civil works consist of enhancing the canals, developing two lagoons to reduce water flooding during the rainy season and to use them as reservoirs during the dry season, as well as other works. Because the infrastructure works being underway in Block B will be tested in the coming rainy season, the farmers at Kernaham want to see if this works to be more prone to accept an alternative to their plots.
The way EMA will proceeds is found to be adequate. They will begin the reforestation project in Block B which is by far the largest area for reforestation (which has no pending social issues). Once this is underway and once the civil works are finalized in the Kernaham area they will intervene in this second Block (Block C) by first removing the plots and replacing these lands with the new ones available in the lower area. This will be done by the Ministry of Agriculture in close coordination with EMA, after an agreement is signed between EMA and the affected farmers. This process will take at least two years for EMA to be intervening in Block C.
The compliance with OP 4.12 is satisfactory. Given the long time available to reach this agreement a Process Framework and an Action Plan are adequate at this stage.
The Nariva Reforestation Scheme is scheduled to run for six (6) years and will provide a certain number of employment opportunities for interested residents of the area. The main opportunities identified are employment for the various elements of the implementation plan. The first component requiring employment is the project's seedling nursery located in Plum Mitan whose establishment will commence in January 2009. A small amount of construction employment will be required to build the nursery, which will then require a seven (7) person staff to handle all the nursery operations. The nursery will support the Reforestation Scheme for the initial planting exercises as well as the tending and supplying activities. The nursery will operate under the direction of the Forestry Division and it is possible that once established could continue to operate beyond the life cycle of the Nariva Restoration Scheme in order to service other Forestry Division activities. Site preparation, tree planting and tending activities are estimated to require approximately one hundred and ten (1 10) persons for nine months of the year for five years.
A stakeholder consultation and various community consultations have been conducted. Overall, the impacts identified through the stakeholder consultation process were positive. Stakeholders recognized the short, medium and long term impacts of the reforestation activity and as such supported the initiative. Detailed summaries of both stakeholder consultations and community consultations are available.
The consulted key stakeholders included: Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources Ministry of Works and Transport Ministry of Public Utilities and the Environment Forestry Division Tour Operators Community Organizations Plum Mitanmiche Farmers Group Kernahan Improvement Committee Kernahan Farmers Association Nariva Environmental Trust (NET) VOICE Other Organizations Archaeological Society of T & T Caribbean Natural Institute for Research and Development (CNIRD) Manatee Conservation Trust COPE Private Land Owners (around periphery) Huggins Estate Coca1 Retreat Limited
The only negative impact identified arose from a land use conflict in certain portions of the proposed reforestation sectors. The removal of agricultural squatters from two of the proposed reforestation sectors is the principal negative social impact of the reforestation plan. Three main mitigation.measures have been proposed to ensure that the PAPs will not be adversely affected. These actions are: relocation~redistribution of land to PAPs, creation of new employment opportunities, and development of alternative livelihood options. The following table demonstrates a summary of the main positive and negative impacts of the project and of mitigation measures:
The Nariva Swamp is located midway along the eastern coast of Trinidad. It is nearly triangular in form, the apex of the triangle situated at Upper Manzanilla in the north, the eastern side of the triangle straddling the length of Cocos Bay on the Atlantic Ocean, the western side fringing the settlements of Plum Mitan, Biche and Charurna, and the base of the triangle skirting the settlement of Kernahan in the south.
The Nariva Swamp, predominantly freshwater wetland, is one of Trinidad and Tobago's outstanding eco-tourism destinations. The wetland is the natural habitat of waterfowl and other birds, as well as numerous fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. The forested sections of the Swamp are home to such attractive wildlife as the weeping capuchin and the red howler monkey, as well as the brilliantly plumed blue and yellow macaw and the red-bellied macaw.
Figure 2 Nariva Environmental Sensitive Area
I Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative
The main economic activity of the Swamp, however, has been agriculture. Agriculture has probably existed on the margins of the Swamp since pre-historic times. Estates have been
established on the western watersheds and coconut plantations on the Coca1 for over 100 years. A small portion of the northern area of the Swamp has been occupied by local people, growing vegetables and rice, and harvesting fish and molluscs, since the 1940s.
Because of the generous flow of water fiom the Navet River into the wetland, the Colonial Government in 1951 initiated the Plum Mitan Rice Scheme in the area known as Block A (see Figure 2 above). Approximately 500 ha of wetland and forest were converted into agricultural plots and a series of drainage and irrigation channels were constructed to accommodate small farmers fiom Plum Mitan. Although the Colonial Government alienated part of the Swamp to agriculture, they took steps to conserve some of the area. Accordingly, in 1954, they legally demarcated under the Forests Act part of the Upland Forest in the west as the Ortoire-Nariva Windbelt Forest Reserve. The Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, which encompasses part of the Ortoire-Nariva Windbelt Forest Reserve, was established in 1968 under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Agriculture in the Swamp experienced mixed fortunes. The flow of water into the Swamp was reduced by construction of the Navet Dam in 1960 and the Plum Mitan Rice Scheme went into decline. By 1978 only about 200 ha were productive. In the mid-1970s, as if to balance this decline, the Government moved to assist squatters settled in the Kernahan region, near Cascadoux Trace in the south eastern area of Nariva. Agricultural access roads were built using the channel/embankment method and about 625 ha were thought to be in production by 1979.
The Nariva Swamp, because of the largeness of its freshwater ecosystem and its high levels of biodiversity, attracted the attention of the experts who were preparing a System Plan for National Parks and other Protected Areas in 1980. An area of about 5,200 ha, was proposed as a National Park. Official designation as such never took place and sometime later the Nariva Swamp was proposed as another type of Protected Area, namely, a Managed Resource Protected Area. This latter designation, unlike the National Park, permits controlled exploitation of the resources to generate a flow of natural products and services to meet community needs. In December 2006 the EMA designated the Nariva Swamp Managed Resource Protected Area as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).
Illegal rice farmers began squatting in the south of Block A, which was to become the Bois Neuf Scheme, or Block B. They occupied over 1,500 ha of land, where they cleared the forest, dug canals, burned the vegetation regularly, and extensively used agrochemicals and heavy machinery. These illegal farmers were not part of the local communities but came fiom outside the area. They were finally evicted by GOIT in 1996.
Alarmed at the accelerated degradation of the Nariva Swamp, which began in 1987, GoTT took steps to correct the situation. In 1992, the Nariva Swamp was designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. In 1993, the Government requested that this Ramsar site be placed in the Montreux Record, a list of sites in need of priority conservation. As a result of this placement, technical assistance was provided by the Ramsar Bureau in 1995 to apply their Monitoring Procedure (now called a Management Guidelines Procedure) to the Nariva Swamp. In 1998, the Government commissioned the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) to conduct and Environmental Impact Assessment of the Nariva Swamp Block B (Biche Bois Neuf
Area) and this was followed in 1999 by the preparation of Management Plan by the same Institute. The year 1999 also saw the launching of the NSRI to be followed in 2006 by the EMA declaration of the Swamp as an ESA.
The Nariva Swamp qualifies under several of the RAMSAR Convention's criteria for identifying internationally important sites (Montreux Rec. C.4.2).
it is a particularly good representative example of a natural or near-natural wetland, characteristic of the appropriate biogeographical region; it supports an appreciable assemblage of rare, vulnerable or endangered species or subspecies of plant or animal, or an appreciable number of individuals of any one or more of these species; it is of special value as the habitat of plants or animals at a critical stage of their biological cycle; it regularly supports substantial numbers of individuals from particular groups of waterfowl, indicative of wetland values, productivity or diversity.
Practically all of the plants at Nariva Swamp are found in other locations in Trinidad and Tobago with the exception of four species, namely Limnocharis jlava Family: Limnocharitaceae, Ctenanthe pilosa Family: Marantaceae, Hibiscus sororius Family: Malvaceae, and Vigna trichocarpa Family: Leguminosae-P, all new records for Trinidad found at Nariva Swamp, and no where else in the local natural environment. The swamp's real uniqueness arises from the facts that (1) it is the largest freshwater swamp in Trinidad, and (2) the zonation patterns found there form a rich mosaic of freshwater communities. In this respect, the swamp is unique in Trinidad and Tobago as no other freshwater wetland displays the same degree of community diversity. With regard to this diversity, there is a great deal of variation ranging from a single dominant species, e.g. Phragmites australis to the Upland Forest where diversity is much higher (239 species belonging to 67 families). Ramcharan (1980) recorded 409 vascular plants for the Nariva Swamp which represent 15% of the recorded flora of Trinidad and Tobago. The Nariva Swamp covers is only 1.8% of the total area of Trinidad and Tobago which dramatically highlights the importance of the swamp as a repository of biodiversity.
Proposed interventions
The project development objective is to contribute to efforts to restore and conserve the Nariva wetlands, part of the Nariva biome through the recognition of the services it provides as a carbon sink, a biodiverse ecosystem and a natural buffering system to coastal storms . This will be done through actions designed to restore and conserve about 1160 ha of its associated forest stands and reducing the rate of deforestation in the area.
Activities under the project also include restoration of the natural drainage regime and natural and induced recovery of the original vegetation cover. As a result of these actions, carbon will be sequestered and emission reductions will be caused. The project will only claim Kyoto- compliant credit for carbon sequestered in the afforestation / reforestation component. However, the methane 1 nitrogen mitigation and the possible REDD component have (i) substantial replication potential and (ii) involve a potentially significant asset in terms of C02 -
equivalents.16 Restoration of the wetland will strengthen its natural buffer service for inland areas and contribute to preserve the rich biodiversity of the ecosystem.
More specifically the planned actions include:
Carbon sequestration through afforestation and reforestation of selected areas of the Nariva wetland ecosystem Methane I nitrous oxide mitigation asset through restoration of surface hydrology at Nariva.
A new Water Resources Management Plan has been drafted, including a detailed field monitoring proposal, to bring back water to marsh areas seeking to recapture the hydrologic movement of water through the different interconnected basins that jointly give form to Nariva Swamp. Emphasis on restoration of the ecosystem, as well as in the reduction of GHG emissions guided the development of the water plan. As a result of these actions emission reductions will be caused. The emission reductions will be documented through the use of Infrared spectroscopy, using an already accepted EPA protocol, for the measurement of C& emissions from surface waters.
Reduction of emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in the Nariva ESA and the watershed of Nariva
Ongoing deforestation and &sustainable land use practices threaten not only the integrity of the ESA but of the entire Nariva watershed. Current deforestation rates in the area of the watershed are approx. 50 ha of forest lost per year. It is clear that a continuation of deforestation activities will pose a grave threat to the Ramsar site of Nariva. Therefore, EMA plans to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) in the watershed zone surrounding Nariva. The watershed acts as a buffer zone around the ESA, which ultimately preserves its natural integrity. The REDD component complements the CDM-eligible afforestation 1 reforestation activity and delivers emission reductions for the voluntary carbon marked. While no Bank avoided deforestation funds are earmarked, the Bank will assist EMA in identifying a purchaser for these credits. Failure to secure these resources will not affect the viability of the project.
In the field interventions are summarized in the Reforestation Scheme and the Water Resources Management Plan. The reforestation objective is to restore as far as possible the original vegetative cover of the Nariva Swamp while improving the capacity of this cover for carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat. Restoration of at least 1160 ha (and possibly, under a more ambitious scenario1,300 ha) of altered forest cover will be achieved through the artificial and natural regeneration of ecologically compatible species.
Artificial regeneration will be labor intensive and will involve ground preparation, tree planting, tree maintenance and the protection of the crop from fire and other threats. Planting stock will be raised in a nursery to be established in the Plum Mitan area. It is envisaged that the nursery will employ 7 persons and the reforestation operations 120 persons over a six year period. Operations
16 The global warming potential (GWP) of CH4 is 2 1, the GWP of NzO is 3 10 on a 100 year time horizon.
are expected to commence in mid 2008 with the establishment of the nursery and the first plantings in late 2008.
Tasks and Potential Environmental Impacts
The environmental assessment is summarized in the table below. Each activity is described briefly, field activities are identified and the environmental impacts as indicated. For these impacts preventing and control measures are defined. These environmental control measures will be integrated into field operations and into a set of guidelines, for training and dissemination purposes. Finally the monitoring activities, as QCIQA activities, are presented.
It should be pointed that the project has given great importance to the adequate planning and design of the interventions as the best and most effective way to reduce negative environmental impacts. Care has been taken to incorporate local knowledge for the benefit of the project.
Other Activities
The Nariva Swamp Restoration Initiative is a more comprehensive undertaking of which the carbon sinks components is an important component. The proposed Water Resources Management Plan under design will incorporate an environmental management component to minimize negative environmental impacts. This document will be incorporated to the PAD as it becomes available.
Conclusions
The environmental assessment has indicated that the most important measure to prevent or mitigate potential environmental negative impacts is the implementation of an early and regular program of monitoring. It is also concluded that training is required to ensured that ecosystem restoration and forestry activity are conducted with due consideration to environmental considerations. If properly implemented these recommendations should provide ample assurance on the environmental soundness of the proposed activities.
It should be emphasized that Planning and Design are the most important tools for minimizing environmental degradation as consequence of the project. These activities have already taken place, peer reviews have been conducted and technical feasibility has been assessed. In all, the project has positive environmental impacts, and preventing measures are in place to minimize unexpected negative spillovers.
A generic ERPA table of contents is shown below. Thee actual document is expected to be signed by December 2005.
ARTICLE I: APPLICATION OF GENERAL CONDITIONS Section 1 .O1 Application of General Conditions Section 1.02 Inconsistency with General Conditions
ARTICLE 11: PROJECT DETAILS Section 2.01 Description of the Project
ARTICLE 111: CONDITIONS FOR SALE AND PURCHASE Section 3.01 Preconditions to be fulfilled Section 3.02 Conditions for benefit of Trustee Section 3.03 Termination of the Agreement
ARTICLE IV: PURCHASE AND SALE OF EMISSION REDUCTIONS Section 4.01 Contract ER Volume and Unit Price Section 4.02 Transfer of Contract ERs Section 4.03 Advance Payment Section 4.04 Annual Payment
ARTICLE V: CALL OPTION Section 5.0 1 Call Option provisions do not apply Section 5.01 Call Option Volume and Exercise Price
ARTICLE VI: PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND MONITORING Section 6.01 Project Development Section 6.02 Monitoring Plan
SCHEDULE 1: CONDITIONS FOR SALE AND PURCHASE SCHEDULE 2: ANNUAL AMOUNTS SCHEDULE 3: MONITORING PLAN
ANNEX 8: Calculation of emission reductions for the first Project component: "Enhancement of carbon sequestration through afforestation and reforestation of selected
areas of the Nariva wetland ecosystem"
Summary of AR-AMS0003 I Version 01
Simplified baseline and monitoring methodology for small scale CDM afforestation and reforestation project activities implemented on wetlands
I. Applicability conditions, carbon pools and project emissions 1. The simplified baseline and monitoring methodologies are applicable if all the conditions (a)- (g) mentioned below are met.
(a) Project activities are implemented on wetlands.17 The DNA of the host country shall provide a statement that project activities conform to national policies and legislation applicable to wetlands. If the host country is a Party to Ramsar or other conventions applicable to wetlands, the DNA shall additionally provide a statement that project activities conform to the provisions of the conventionls. (b) Project activities are implemented for afforestation or reforestation through assisted natural regeneration or seeding or tree planting on degraded" wetlands, which may be subject to further degradation and have tree and 1 or non tree component that is declining or in a low carbon steady-state. (c) Direct measureslactivities undertaken by the project proponents for the establishment of forest on degraded or degrading wetlands shall not lead to any changes in hydrology of land subjected to afforestation or reforestation project activity under the control of the project participants. Some examples of direct activities that are not permitted include drainage, flooding, digging or ditch blocking. Therefore, the AIR project activities are specifically restricted to the following wetland categories: (i) Degraded intertidal wetlands (e.g. mangroves); (ii) Undrained peat swamps that are degraded with respect to vegetation cover19; (iii) Degraded flood plain areas on inorganic soils and (iv) Seasonally flooded areas on the margin of water bodieslreservoirs. (d) This methodology is not applicable to project activities that are implemented on wetlands where the predominant vegetation comprises of herbaceous species in its natural state. (e) Project activities are implemented on lands where in the pre-project situation, areas used for agricultural activities (other than grazing) within the project boundary are not greater than 10% of the total project area. ( f ) Project activities are implemented on lands where displacement of grazing animals does not
" In this methodology, "wetlands" are classified as per the definition of the category "wetlands" provided in 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, and Good Practice Guidance for Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (IPCC 2003), which includes land that is covered or saturated by water for all or part of the year and that does not fall into the forest land, cropland, grassland or settlements categories. Rice cultivation areas are excluded. '' Degraded wetlands in this methodology refer to degradation only with respect to vegetation cover. To demonstrate that the applicability condition (b) is obeyed, prove that the A/R project lands are really degraded using appendix A. 19 Methodology is not applicable to managed peatlands as defined in section 7.1 of IPCC, 2006 Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories
result in leakage (see Section IV). If the possibility of leakage from displacement of grazing animals is not excluded using approach provided in para 19 below, the methodology is not applicable. (g) Project activities are implemented on lands where 4 0 % of the total surface project area is disturbed as result of soil preparation for planting. However, in project areas with organic soils, site preparation activities such as ploughing and drainage before or after the trees are planted are not allowed.
2. Carbon pools to be considered by these methodologies are above- and below-ground biomass (i.e. living biomass) of trees.
3. Project emissions attributable to A/R activities implemented on wetlands are assumed to be negligible hence, they are accounted for as zero in this methodology. According to IPCC GPG for LULUCF, GHGs emitted fiom wetlands may consist of C02, CH4 and N20 but the applicability conditions of the methodology ensure that hydrology of the project area is not changed as a result of the direct measures/activities undertaken by the project proponents for the establishment of the A/R project activity, therefore the chemical properties of the wetland soils influencing the GHG emissions will not change (Haldon et al., 2004)~' hence, the above assumption is valid.
4. Before using simplified methodologies, project participants shall demonstrate whether: (a) The land of the project activity is eligible, using the approach for the demonstration of land eligibility contained in appendix B; (b) The project activity is additional, using the procedures for the assessment of additionality contained in appendix C.
11. Baseline net greenhouse gas removals by sinks 5. The most likely baseline scenario of the small-scale A/R CDM project activity is considered to be the land-use prior to the implementation of the project activity, that is degraded or degrading wetlands, where, the changes in carbon stocks in the living biomass pools of trees and non tree vegetation under the baseline scenario are expected to be in steady state or declining. Therefore changes in the carbon stocks in the living biomass pool of trees and non-tree vegetation shall be assumed to be zero in the absence of the project activity.
111. Actual net greenhouse gas removals by sinks (ex ante) 6. Stratification of the project area should be carried out to improve the accuracy and precision of biomass estimates. 7. For the ex ante calculation of the project biomass, the project area should be stratified according to the project planting plan that is, at least by tree species (or groups of them if several tree species have similar growth habits), and age classes. 8. Actual net GHG removals by sinks consider the changes in above and below ground carbon pools for trees in the project scenario. 9. Changes in above and below ground carbon pools for trees should be calculated as follows:
20 Holden, J, Chapman, P.J. and Labadz, J.C. 2004. Artificial drainage of peatlands: Hydrological and hydrochemical process and wetland restoration. Progress in Physical Geography 28: 95-123.
64
where: ACPRW, t = Removal coinponent of actual net GHG removals by sinks at time t; t CO2-e yr'l
(-I = Carbon stocks in the above and below ground carbon pools for trees at t h e t; t C02-e
T Time difference between t and t-1; years
10. Degraded or degrading wetlands may have significant number of trees at the time of start of the project activity. The carbon stocks in the above and below ground carbon pools for trees within the project boundary at the starting date of the project activity2' (CFo ) and for all other years at time t (Ct) shall be calculated as follows:
I
= ((c~,,,., + ',,I,) * '4 * 44/17) (2 1-1
where:
c~ = Carbon stocks in the abo\.e and below ground carbon pools for trees at tinie t; t C02-e
Z. I = Carbon stocks in above-groulid biomass of trees for stratum i, at time t: t C ha-'
I, I = Carbon stocks in below-ground biomass of trees for stratum i , at time t; t C ha-'
4 = Area of stratum i; ha
i = Index for stratum (I = total number of strata in project area)
For. above-ground biomass
I I . C , , , i s calculated per stratum i as follows:
where:
C = Carbon stocks in above-ground b~omass of trees for stratum i, at time t; t C ha-'
B-LB.l,r = -4bove-ground biomass of trees in stratum i at time t; t dm ha"
0.5 = Carbon &action of dry matter; t C (t dm)-'
There are 2 options for estimating aboveground biomass at time t. Option 1 shall be used for estimatin above ground biomass (Ba i r = O ) and carbon stocks (C,, ) in trees at start of the project activity.
There are 2 options for estimating aboveground biomass at time t. Option 1 shall be used for estimating above ground biomass (BAB, i , ~ ) and carbon stocks (Cw ) in trees at start of the
2 1 The starting date of the project activity should be the time when the land is prepared for the initiation of the afforestation or reforestation project activity under the CDM. In accordance with paragraph 23 of the modalities and procedures for afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM, the crediting period shall begin at the start of the afforestation and reforestation project activity under the CDM (see UNFCCC web site at <http://unfccc.int~resource/docs/cop9/06aO2 p d p a e 2 1 >).
project activity. Nariva will most likely use the following option one. Therefore, we do not document option two here.22
B , = Above-ground biomass of trees in stratum i at time t ; t dm ha-'
BIB. 1.j.r Above-ground bio~nass of trees of species.j in stratum i at time t; t dm ha-'
SV,,],, = Stem volume of species j in stratum i at time t; m3 ha-'
BEF2L, = Biomass expansion factor of species or group of species j for conversion from stein volu~ne total volume; dimensionless
OJ = Basic wood density of species or group of speciesj; t d.m. 11?
i = Index for stratum
j = Index for species (Sps = total number of species in stratum)
12. Documented existing local species-specific data fiom peer-reviewed studies or official reports (such as standard yield tables) for SVi,j,t or SVi,j,pO should be used.23 At time t = 0, SVi,j,t=O for tree species or groups of species present at the time of start of the project activity shall be used. In the absence of such values, regionallnational species-specific data for SVi,j,t or SVi,j,t-0 shall be obtained (e.g., from regiondnational forest inventory, standard yield tables such as standard yield tables). If regionallnational values are also not available, species-specific data from neighbouring countries with similar ecological conditions affecting growth of trees may be used. In absence of any of the above, global species-specific data (e.g., fiom the GPG- LULUCF) may be used.
13. Documented local values for BEF2J should be used. In the absence of such values, national default values should be used. If national values are also not available, the values should be obtained fiom literature or data shall be obtained fiom a region that has similar ecological conditions affecting growth of tree species. If no information is available in the literature the project proponents should conduct sampling to generate such value using common standardized method. Sampling can be done in other locations where such ecosystem exists.
14. Documented local values for Dj should be used. In the absence of such values, national default values shall be consulted. If national default values are also not available, the values should be obtained fiom Reyes et al. 1992; Wood Density database h t t p : / / w w w . w o r l d a g r o f o r e s t r y c e n t r e . o r g / S or fiom table 3A.1.9 of the IPCC good practice guidance for LULUCF. If no information is available fiom any
22 Option two is available in the original SSC methodology at: http://cdm.unfccc.int/UserManagemen~ileStorage/CDM~AMS26SRZ2WRKLUMD8PHM3BZL7QMDL790 23 Mean annual increments fiom documented sources may be used in the absence of annual increments.
of the above sources, the project proponents should conduct sampling to generate such value using common standardized method.
For. be1ou~-grorrnd biomass
15. CBB i, I is calculated per stratum i as follo\vs
\\.here:
c a ~ ,, , = C'arhon stocks in belo\%,-ground biomass of trees for stratum i , at time t; t C' ha"
"BB.~ J . ~ = Carbon stocks in below-ground biomass of trees of species j in stratum i. at time t; t
C ha-'
BAR t.,. r Above-ground biomass of trees of species j in stratum i at time r; t dm ha*'
R~ = Root to shoot ratio for species or group of species j; dimensionless
0.5 = Carbon &action of dry matter; t C (t dm)-'
16. Documented local or national values for R j should be used. If national values are not available, a default value of 0.1 should be used.
17. Project emissions are assumed to be negligible hence, they are accounted for as zero in this methodology (refer to para 3). The ex ante actual net greenhouse gas removals by sinks in year t are therefore equal to:
where:
A C . 4 o ~ , , = annual actual net greenhouse gas removals by sinks at time t; t COz-e Yil
A (?PROJ.~ = remo~~al colnponent of actual net GHG removals by sinks at time t; t C02-e
yr-'
IV. Leakage 18. According to decision 61CMP.1, annex, appendix B, paragraph 9: "If project participants demonstrate that the small-scale afforestation .or reforestation project activity under the CDM does not result in the displacement of activities or people, or does not trigger activities outside the project boundary, that would be attributable to the small-scale afforestation or reforestation project activity under the CDM, such that an increase in greenhouse gas emissions by sources occurs, a leakage estimation is not required. In all other cases leakage estimation is required."
19. Leakage (Lt) can be considered zero if evidence can be provided that: (a) There is no displacement, or the displacement of pre-project grazing or agricultural activities or fuel wood collection will not cause deforestation attributable to the project activity, or
(b) Displacement of grazing animals or agricultural activities or fuel wood collection occurs to other degraded non wetlands which contain no significant biomass (i.e. degraded land) and if evidence can be provided that these lands are likely to receive the shifted activities, or (c) Displacement of grazing animals occurs to other areas such as grasslands (non wetlands) and that the total number of animals so displaced is less than 15% of the average grazing capacity of such area.
(..I 20. If the possibility of leakage from displacement of grazing animals is not excluded using approach provided in para 19 above, the methodology is not applicable. For the case of Nariva such displacement of grazing animals can be excluded.
21. In cases, where the possibility of leakage from displacement of agricultural activities other than from grazing is not excluded as provided in para 19 above, project participants should assess the possibility of leakage by considering the area used for agricultural activities within the project boundary displaced due to the project activity. An assessment of the displacement of agricultural activities in the Nariva swamp will be conducted according to the methodology outlined below.
22. If the area under agricultural activities within the project boundary displaced due to the project activity is lower than 10 per cent of the total project area then for the ex ante calculation it is assumed that entire leakage shall be equal to 20 per cent of the ex ante actual net GHG removals by sinks accumulated during the first crediting period, that is the average annual leakage is equal to:
where:
LI -A = h n u a l leakage due to displacement of agricultural activity attributable to the
project activity at time r; t C02-c )T-'
A CACWLr = Annual actual net greenllouse gas removals by sinks at time r: t CO,-e ji'
(...) 23. For Nariva it is assumed that the area under agricultural activities within the project boundary displaced due to the project activity is much less than 10 per cent of the total project area.
(. . .) 24. It is assumed that there is no displacement of fuel wood collection activities taking place as the woody biomass in the swamp is very scarce.
V. Net anthropogenic greenhouse gas removals by sinks 26. The net anthropogenic GHG removals by sinks for each year during the first crediting period are calculated as,
\\.here:
ERM cDDjf,t = Annual net anthropogeilic GHG removals by sinks at time r: t CC)?-e yr-'
AC:4mru , = Actual net greenhouse gas renlovals by si lks at time t. t CC)?-e !.rS1
L t = Total leakage attributable to the project actil'ity at time t: t CO1-e !-I"
For subsequent crediting periods L,=O.
27. The resulting temporary certified emission reductions (tCERs) at the year of assumed verification t, are calculated as follows:
rCER,. = Temporary certified emission reductions (KFRs) at the time of assumed verification t,; t C02-e
E R a c w t = Anrmal net anthropogenie GHG mnavals by sink5 at time t; t C0:-e ~'r :
t., = Assumed year of verification (year)
(. . .) 28. The project is not opting for lCERs
Appendix A Procedure for demonstration of wetlands that is degraded and degrading with respect to vegetation cover Analyze the historical and existing land uselcover changes in the context of climate and socio- economic conditions for the project area andor surrounding similar wetlands, and identify key factors that influence vegetation degradation over time. In this procedure project participants may use multiple sources of data including archived information, maps, or remote sensing data of land uselcover to demonstrate the changing status of vegetation occurring over a reasonable period of time since 3 1 December 1989 as selected by the project participants and before the start of the proposed AIR project activity. Supplementary field investigation, landowner and public interviews, as well as collection of data from other sources may also be used, to demonstrate that the project area is degraded with respect to vegetation cover and is likely to continue to degrade in absence of the project activity.
A degraded or degrading state is confirmed if there is evidence that one or more of the following conditions are commonly present within the proposed project boundary and are likely to continue to occur in absence of the project activity: 1. Vegetation degradation:
For degraded condition show that, for example: The cover andor health of vegetation as determined by visual assessment or similar indicator-based approach have decreased by
at least 25% below that of similar undisturbed wetlands with similar ecological conditions. For degrading condition show that, for example: The cover andlor health of vegetation as determined by visual assessment or similar indicator-based approach has decreased by at least 25% occurring over a reasonable period of time since 3 1 December 1989 as selected by the project participants and before the start of the proposed A/R project activity.
2. Anthropogenic influences leading to degradation, for example:
There is a documented history of on-going loss of vegetation cover due to anthropogenic influences; or Evidence can be provided that anthropogenic actions, which are likely to continue in the absence of the small scale A/R project activity, can be documented as the cause of on- going loss of vegetation cover on similar lands elsewhere.
3. Provision of any other evidence that transparently demonstrates project lands are degraded or degrading.
Appendix B Demonstration of land eligibility 1. Eligibility of the A/R CDM project activities under Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol shall be demonstrated based on definitions provided in paragraph 1 of the annex to the Decision 16lCMP. 1 ("Land use, land-use change and forestry"), as requested by Decision 51CMP. 1 ("Modalities and procedures for afforestation and reforestation project activities under the clean development mechanism in the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol"), until new procedures to demonstrate the eligibility of lands for afforestation and reforestation project activities under the clean development mechanism are recommended by the EB.
Appendix C Assessment of additionality 1. Project participants shall provide an explanation to show that the project activity would not have occurred anyway due to at least one of the following barriers:
2. Investment barriers, other than economic/financial barriers, inter alia: (a) Debt funding not available for this type of project activity; (b) No access to international capital markets due to real or perceived risks associated with domestic or foreign direct investment in the country where the project activity is to be implemented; (c) Lack of access to credit.
3. Institutional barriers, inter alia: (a) Risk relating to changes in government policies or laws; (b) Lack of enforcement of legislation relating to forest or land-use.
4. Technological barriers, inter alia: (a) Lack of access to planting materials; (b) Lack of infrastructure for implementation of the technology.
5. Barriers relating to local tradition, inter alia: (a) Traditional knowledge or lack thereof, of laws and customs, market conditions, practices; (b) Traditional equipment and technology;
6. Barriers due to prevailing practice, inter alia: (a) The project activity is the "first of its kind". No project activity of this type is currently operational in the host country or region.
7. Barriers due to local ecological conditions, inter alia: (a) Degraded soil (e.g. waterlwind erosion, salination); (b) Catastrophic natural and/or human-induced events (e.g. land slides, fire); (c) Unfavorable meteorological conditions (e.g. earlyllate frost, drought); (d) Pervasive opportunistic species preventing regeneration of trees (e.g. grasses, weeds); (e) Unfavorable course of ecological succession; (f) Biotic pressure in terms of grazing, fodder collection, etc.
8. Barriers due to social conditions, inter alia: (a) Demographic pressure on the land (e.g. increased demand on land due to population growth); (b) Social conflict among interest groups in the region where the project activity takes place; (c) Widespread illegal practices (e.g. illegal grazing, non-timber product extraction and tree felling); (d) Lack of skilled and/or properly trained labor force; (e) Lack of organization of local communities.
ANNEX 9: Historical landscape changes in Nariva
In 1942, the first decade of aerial photography acquired for the study (Figures 3-4), Nariva's hydrological regime was very different from today. The Navet Dam did not yet exist, farming in Sector A and Sector B had not yet begun and the ecosystem was a mosaic of marsh, mangrove, forest and open water. In 1958, the major notable change was the decrease in open water areas in the south of Nariva and around Bush-Bush (Figures 5-6). An expansion of agriculture in what is now known as Sector A had begun to encroach on the marsh. By 1969, the Navet Dam had been built, roads had been constructed and the Petit Poole canal created (Figures 7-8). Agriculture had expanded significantly around Kernahan in the south and illegal rice farmers were moving into Sector B. Open water areas were scarce and the swamp forest distribution had shifted. Evidence of clear cutting in the upland forest around Kernahan was also apparent. Imagery was not available for the 1970s so a clear picture of the composition of Nariva was not possible for this decade. By the 1980s, the illegal rice farmers continued to move into Sector B and subsequently the hydrology of the marsh continued to be altered (Figure 13). Progression of swamp forest in the eastern part of the marsh was apparent and can be attributed to the lack of fresh water. In 1994, the swamp forest continued to expand on the east but was completely removed along the western edges of Sector B (Figures 9-10). By 1996, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago had evicted the illegal rice farmers in Sector B and passive regeneration had begun. However, the hydrology remained altered with many canals and levees still in place. In 2003 the legal agricultural plots in Sector A (Figure 11 -12) had undergone a transition from rice to other types of farming (watermelon, green peppers, among others) and the canals had been rehabilitated and pumps updated with new equipment. In addition, recent satellite data from January 2007 did not show any major man-made changes within the protected area (Figure 14). With a detailed understanding of the composition of Nariva in the early 1940's and the present day settlements, legal agriculture, hydrology and road infrastructure, inferences can be made with respect to the feasibility of restoration and rehabilitation. Figures 15-1 7 are a comparison of the vegetation composition between 1942, 1994 and 2003.
T a b 2 Preliminary area sunmaries for each vegetation or landuse ciass
Summaries w m cakubted miq the sam area Cw each year
&ondsry Clown
?mmp Forest
I I
Fgure 16. Vegetation composih of Nariva Swamp, 19% Figure 15. Vegetatwn composition of Nariva Swamp, 1942
8 ApicuVue
~ c u t u t t
La k m u t
rn Secondary G r m *
--
Figure 17. vegetation &wtton of~ariva Swamp, 2003
ANNEX 10: Ambient OP-FTIR Measurement of Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emission Rates From a Tropical Freshwater Wetland at Nariva Swamp
Introduction
The general objective of the OP-FTIR measurement is to develop more reliable greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rates from tropical wetlands in order to examine the feasibility of emissions reductions under various wetland water management and restoration scenarios. Conventional techniques utilize emission rates based on gas chromatography (GC) analysis of gases accumulating in closed chambers inserted into the sediment. These measurements have the weakness of only measuring emissions from the very small footprint area of the chamber and of being invasive since they may disturb the sediment. They also cannot easily integrate emissions from multiple sources as emissions from sediments vary greatly depending on many factors such as for example the sediment type, depth of the water table and emissions travel to the air via the stems of emergent vegetation. Monitoring the ambient air over a large area (e.g. - 1 km2) has the potential to give more reliable average emission rates of wetland GHG.
Methodology
Ambient air measurements were made upwind and then about 6 km downwind of the wetland using an open-path monitoring (OPM) technique with detection by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The method followed US EPA Compendium Method TO-16 Long-Path Open Path Fourier Transform Infrared Monitoring of Atmospheric Gases (EPA 1999). This method is widely used to measure toxics from industrial sites or landfills and has been infrequently applied to measuring GHG emission rates from wastewater treatment lagoons (e.g. EPA 1997, World Bank Rio Frio Study 2007). However, apparently no previous published studies exist using OP-FTIR to monitor GHG emissions from natural wetlands.
The FTIR beam was directed along a horizontal path at 2m height towards a multi-prism retro- reflector array 200 m away. The infia-red absorbance spectra of gases in the beam were measured over the return path length of 400111. The main target compounds of interest were CH4 and N20 but C02 COY NH3 and an ethylene tracer gas were also occasionally measured. The beam was set up downwind at right angles to the predominant wind direction from the east over the Atlantic Ocean. Only data obtained when the wind was blowing from a narrow arc from the east (90°*1 1.5') was used in order to fulfill the requirements of Gaussian plume model for a ground level, non-buoyant source. The cross-sectional area of the plume was multiplied by the average wind speed to determine the mass of contaminants moving through a cross-section of the plume over time (i.e. emission rate at the source). The vertical dispersion can be determined by reflecting the beam off retro-reflectors raised to different heights on a tower. The horizontal capture of the width of the plume by the FTIR allows the source term to be calculated using the following equation:
Q(t) = d((d2)* ~ * a z * X) Where:
Q(t) = source emission rate (g/sec) U = mean wind speed (mJsec) oz = vertical dispersion (m) X ground-level path-integrated concentration pg/m3 determined by FTIR by difference
between the average upwind and downwind concentrations
The emission rate in weight per unit time can then be adjusted to a per unit area basis depending on the area of wetland over which the emission measurements were made.
A simpler way of calculating emission rate is to use a tracer gas. Emission rates were determined by releasing an ethylene tracer gas (99.5% purity) at a known rate of 0.5 g/sec 50 m into the wetland and measuring, its concentration in the beam to account for continuous atmospheric vertical dispersion characteristics during the time of sampling. The emission rates of the unknown GHGs were calculated in real time every 5 minutes by the FTIR instruments software after adjusting for the wind dispersion factor obtained by comparison with the known emission rate of the tracer gas. The calculation uses the ratio of the measured concentrations of the tracer gas and compound of interest, multiplied by the known emission rate of the tracer gas to obtain the emission rate of the compound of interest.
The measuring equipment consisted of a RAM2000 FTIR with RMMsoft software and attached 4m tower for simultaneously measuring metrological parameters (i.e. wind speed and direction, temperature, pressure, humidity). The RAM2000 FTIR has been successfully tested in the EPA technological verification program and requires no field calibration. A bubble meter was used to calibrate the flow meter on the tracer gas cylinder. In the field, another check of gas emission rate was made by placing the gas cylinder on an electronic scale and measuring the change in weight over time. A typical measuring campaign consisted of 1 day upwind monitoring followed by at least 1 day of downwind monitoring, and provided average GHG emission rates for a 200m wide approximately 1.2 km2 swath of wetland.
QAJQC consisted of GC analysis of integrated ambient air samples taken by walking next to the beam path while sampling with an evacuated Tedlar bag or stainless steel canister
Bank staff and consultants who worked on the project included:
Name Title Unit Walter Vergara Engineer and TTL /Environmental Spec. LCSSD Saima Qadir Deal Manager ENVCF Alejandro Deeb Hydrologist LCSSD Seraphine Haeussling Economist LCSSD Alonso Zarzar Social specialist LCSSD Monica Restrepo Lawyer LEGCF Sebastian Martin Scholz Carbon SinksIClimate Change Specialist LCSSD Puneet Kishor Modeling specialist Consultant
ANNEX 12 Summary of monitoring methodology
The next paragraphs summarize the main features of monitoring methodologies to be used in the project's components 1 & 2.
Component 1 (Estimation and monitoring of carbon stored through reforestation activities); UNFCCC-approved simpliJied monitoring methodology for small scale CDM afforestation and reforestation project activities implemented on wetlands.
A. Expost estimation of the baseline net greenhouse gas removals by sinks
The baseline net GHG removals by sinks are estimated at zero in this methodology. Therefore monitoring of the baseline is not required.
B. Expost estimation of the actual net greenhouse gas removals by sinks
The steps to be followed to conduct an ex-post estimation of actual GHG removals by sinks in the project scenario are:
1. Stratification of the project area in order to improve the accuracy and precision of biomass estimates. For ex post estimation of project GHG removals by sinks, strata shall be defined by: (i) Relevant guidance on stratification for A/R project activities under the clean development mechanism as approved by the Executive Board (if available); or (ii) Stratification approach that can be shown in the PDD to estimate biomass stocks for the species or groups of species according to good forest inventory practice in the host country in accordance with DNA indications; or (iii) Other stratification approach that can be shown in the PDD to estimate the project biomass stocks to targeted precision level of 10% of the mean at a 95% confidence level. 2. Estimation of the carbon stocks in above-ground biomass of trees within the project boundary at the starting date of the project activity and for all other years at time t. 3. Estimation of the above-ground biomass of trees at the start of the project activity and at time t achieved by the project activity. 4. Estimation of stem volume Erom on-site measurements of diameter at breast height and tree height performed in step 2 above. 5. Estimation of carbon stocks in below-ground biomass at time t achieved by the project activity during the monitoring interval. 6. Determination and Estimation of leakage due to displacement of grazing activities or agricultural activities or fuel wood collection.
Component 2 (Estimation and monitoring of Methane and Nitrous Oxide emission reductions through swamp hydrology restoration); Method TO-1 6 prepared by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Wetland-DNDC Model prepared by the Institute for the Study of Earth, Ocean and Space, University of New Hampshire, with the support of the Center for Forested Wetlands Research, USDA Forest Service.
Monitoring activities under component 2 will be carried out on a regular basis by EMA using the Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectrometer. ARCADIS will provide EMA technical assistance if required during monitoring campaigns. EMA's technical team has received training on the operation of the equipment directly from equipment manufacturer. This training included instructions for equipment handling and maintenance and for the application of TO-16 method for the processing of spectra used to determine gas concentrations.
In parallel to the TO-16 method, a computer-based model named Wetland-DNDC will be employed by EMA to estimate ex-ante the GHG emission reductions. The model will be used as a back-up tool and its results will be compared with the ones obtained through the monitoring campaigns. This will allow the calibration of the model and the evaluation of its validity and versatility for future applications that involve wetlands GHG emissions estimations.
Method TO-1 6 This method is intended for the use of a Fourier Transform -1nfia-red system that acquires data using a long, open air path and does not require the acquisition of a sample for subsequent analysis. The system produces data that is a time sequence of the path-averaged atmospheric concentrations of various gases. It can measure the concentration of a large number of atmospheric gases including methane and nitrous oxide.
The TO-1 6 method is intended to be an independent instrument in that it discusses the processing of spectra in order to obtain gas concentrations. It is specifically designed to process spectra that will be analyzed by the commonly called classical least-square technique. If the data is to be processed through a different technique such as partial least squares or iterative least squares then the method is no applicable.
The standard procedures for processing of Infiared Spectra presented throughout the TO- 16 method include the following:
Suggested order of generation of FT-IR concentration data
Selection of wave number regions for analysis in the presence of interfering species
Generation of a background spectrum
Production of a water vapor reference Spectrurn
Subtraction of stray light or black body radiation
Generation of an absorbance spectrum
Correction of spectral shifts
Analysis of the field spectra for concentration
Post-analysis review of data
Quality assurance of produced data
Measurement of the return beam intensity, stray light and black body radiation
Determination of detection limit, precision and accuracy
Measurement of resolution
Determination of non-linear instrument response and water vapor concentration
Wetland-DNDC Model This computer simulation model of water, carbon (C) and nitrogen biochemistry in forested wetland ecosystems can be utilized for estimating forest production, ecosystem C dynamics and emissions of trace gases including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N20), nitric oxide (NO), dinitrogen (Nz) and ammonia (NH3).
Wetlands-DNDC was constructed by integrating hydrological and forest biogeochemical processes at site and watershed scales. The model integrates the following features: (i) the quantification of water table fluctuation and lateral flows, (ii) the simulation of soil redox potential dynamics and its effects on C and N biogeochemistry and (iii) the characterization of forest structure with three layers including ground growth. A more complete description of the model is found in the annexesz4.
24 Basics of model components Forest growrh. The Wetlands-DNDC model simulates forest growth by tracking photosynthesis, respiration, C allocation, N uptake, water demand and litter fall at a daily time step. The types of forest included in the model are: pine, spruce, hemlock, fir, oak, hardwoods, birch, beech and rainforest. Water table dynamics. The model uses one of three options to define the water table: (i) observed water table depths; (ii) set of empirical hydrological parameters developed from historical observations or (iii) hydrological model based on the local climatic, vegetation and soil conditions at the site scale. Soil hydrologicalfiatures. The model calculates variables related to soil hydrology such as water table depth, surface and ground influx and efflux, percolation, infiltration and diffusion. The calculation process involves the tracking of precipitation, throughfall, evaporation, transpiration and leaching rates at a daily or hourly time step. Soil biogeochemistry. This particular feature is used by the model to estimate soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition, nitrification, denitrification, methanogenesis and methanotrophy in the saturated and unsaturated zones of the soil profile.
ANNEX 13: ESTIMATION OF METHANE EMISSION BY DNDC MODEL
Computer modeling for estimating emission of trace gases from wetlands is a popular technique (Bohn et. al. 2007, Gedney et. al. 2004, van Bodegam 2000 and 2001, Walter 2000). Cui, Li and Tretton (2005) have created a relatively more sophisticated Denitrification-Decomposition (DNDC) model that accounts for the secondary effects which create a complicated network of feedbacks at different spatial and temporal scales. DNDC model is utilized to create preliminary estimates of methane emission from Nariva Swamp.
DNDC Model The DNDC model is a process-oriented model. In other words, it tries to simulate processes, specifically the biogeochemical processes occurring in wetlands. The model is divided into two parts - the first part models soil environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, redox potential and substrate concentration profiles; and the second part predicts flux of trace gases such as nitrogen oxide, nitrous oxide, methane and ammonia.
Data Assumptions The four critical datasets for modeling methane emissions are hydrology (daily water-table height), climate (daily minimum and maximum temperatures and solar radiation), vegetation and soil characteristics. Hydrology: Average monthly readings of water depth for five months were taken from 3 sites around the Swamp and extrapolated into daily readings for a year. Climate: Average monthly readings of minimum and maximum temperatures and rainfall were extrapolated into daily readings for a year. Solar radiation was estimated using the value of average 7.3 hours of daily sunshine and the Solar Constant of 1366. Vegetation: Four major vegetation types covering the Nariva Swamp are mangroves, freshwater marsh, palm swamp, freshwater swampwood. 25 Of these four, freshwater marsh is the dominant vegetation type although it is severely damaged because of clearing and burning for rice production and access. For the purpose of the simplistic estimates, marsh vegetation type is assumed. Marsh characteristics assumptions are detailed below:
Crop type , Perennial Crop
25 Institute of Marine Affairs. 1999. The Formulation of the Nariva Swamp Management Plan, Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources, Government of Trinidad and Tobago. pp. 24-28
26 Aldona Kry2eviEiene. 2006. Herbaceous plants as a renewable source of bioenergy, EKOLOGIJA. 2006. Nr. 2. P. 66-71. http://images.katalogas.lt/maleidykla/Eko62/Eko~o66~0~1.pdf
Ruth Patrick. 1994. Rivers of the United States. John Wiley and Sons. Pp. 434.
Marsh p~
i t393 Kg dry matterha (average of 7,850 kgha (range 6,400 - 9,300),
12,500 kgha (range 10,000 - 15,000), 27 and 28, 830 kgha (average production of Spartina alternijlora) 28
Yes / Cover crop No
I Biomass fractions 29 1 C:N Ratios "
Grain fraction total biomass
Grain
Root fraction of total 0.405 biomass
Leaf+stem fraction of total biomass
0.585
N fixation index (= total plant Nlplant N taken from soil)
Maximum LA1
Leaf+stem
1
Accumulative degree days of maturity (TDD), degree C
( soil texture I
22
Water requirement, kg water for producing 1 Kg dry matter biomass
3
1200
Soils: Clay-Loam is assumed to be the predominant soil type for the initial model runs.
Soil type
Land-use type
Bulk density 31 ,32
Maximum height in meters
Wetland
Clay loam
3 m (range 0.3 m - 3
m)
1.4255 glcc (calculated as average of wet lump Clay 1.602 and Dry Loam 1.249)
Clay fraction
Field capacity
( 7.3 I Wilting point 1 0.45
29 Korner, Ch. and U. Renhardt. 1987. Dry matter partitioning and root lengthlleaf area ratios in herbaceous perennial plants with diverse altitudinal distribution, Oecologia, Vol. 74, No. 3, pp 411-418. Springer BerlinIHeidelberg. Doi: 10.1007/BFoo378938
I
30 Packett, C. Rebekah and Randolph M. Chambers. 2006. Distribution and nutrient status of haplotypes of the marsh grass Phragmites australis along the Rappahannock River in Virginia, Estuaries and Coasts, Vol. 29, No. 6, Springer New York. Doi: 10.1007/BF02781822
Porosity
31 Guggenheim, Stephen & Martin, R. T. (1995), Definition of clay and clay mineral: Journal report of the AIPEA nomenclature and CMS nomenclature committees, Clays and Clay Minerals 43: 255-256
0.482
Soil structure
Macro-pores Yes Depth of water- retention layer (m)
9.99
I Water logging problem
Results Results from four model runs are provided in table below: a Base Scenario with data as described in the data section, and two scenarios with modifications to the hydrology data. Scenario 1 introduces six flood events, all with "conventional" flooding, while the Scenario 2 does the same but with "marginal" flooding. Finally, Scenario 3 also simulates six flood events, but alternates between conventional and marginal flooding.
SOC at surface soil (0-5 cm) 33
Greenhouse C02 i gas I
Initial SOC content
No
0.048 Kg C K g
Flux rate 12132 0.0 15444 1439 0.1 - 1 I
GWP Kg 44485 19 432437 5278 34 -23 co2 equivha
I Net GWP 1 476941
Highest groundwater table depth
Greenhouse COz N20 CHq CO2 N20 CH4 gas
9.99
I Flux rate 1 3 107
33 Hill, Alan R., Cardaci, Mia. Denitrification and Organic Carbon Availability in Riparian Wetland Soils and Subsurface Sediments, Soil Sci Soc Am J 2004 68: 320-325. See http://soil.scijoumals.org/cgi/content/full/68/i/~2o
1 Net GWP 1 12666 1 9876 1 GWP 11 393
Note: Flood events take place on the first of every alternate month (1/1, 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, 9/1 and I l / l ) and East for 10 days each. Conventional flooding is between 5 and I0 crns. of water while marginal flooding is between -5 and 5 crns. of water.
As expected, water level is the major factor controlling carbon allocation, organic matter decomposition and carbon flux in wetlands. The Base Scenario is comparable to calculated methane emission rates from tropical swamps. 34 Simulating flood event decreases methane emission, with conventional flooding having a greater impact on reduction than marginal flooding. The spatial-temporal distribution
395
of near-surface soil moisture or water table is central to the regulation of land-atmosphere water, energy, and carbon interaction. Model tests have shown that hydrological changes have a significant effect on emission of greenhouse gases, even if everything else remained the same. Anaerobic conditions in wetland soils reduce organic matter decomposition and stimulate methane production. Drainage of a wetland would provide a pathway for water to exit wetlands, thereby lowering the water table, will most likely result in a reduction in methane emissions and an increase in C02 emissions from soils. As Cui, et. al. say: "Forested wetland soil is characterized by the presences of a saturated zone, which is determined by the fluctuated water table. This feature significantly affects C and N dynamics in this ecosystem. Flooding and draining practices cause dramatic changes in the soil redox potential ... conditions, and hence dominate production and consumption of the greenhouse gases in the soils." (2005, pp.44)
Future Work
878 9024
More accurate and granular data from the site will yield better estimates. Finally, since site characteristics vary considerably across the wetlands, the regional method of analysis is liable to give a better picture of the biogeochemistry with regards to wetlands.
34 Estimates of Methane emissions were 193.2&24.5 mg m-2 h-1 at Kumaragam (fresh water) as compared to 9.3*9.6 mg m-2 h-1 at Pullot (brackish water) site (Verma, et. al.). The calculated net primary production (NPP) of wetlands ranged from 45 g C m-2 y F l for northern bogs to 820 g C m-2 yr-I (or 8200 kg C/ha) for tropical swamps. CH, emission rates from individual gridcells ranged from 0.0 to 661 mg CH, m-2 d-1, with a mean of 40 mg CH, m-2 d-1 for northern wetland, 150 mg CH, m-2 d-1 for temperate wetland, and 199 mg CH, m-2 d-1 for tropical wetland. Total CH, emission was 92 Tg yr-1. (Cao, et. a].)
34 1 -
510
References
Bohn, Theodore J., Dennis P. Lettenmaier, Krishnaveni Sathulur, and Laura C. Bowling. 2007. Large-scale modeling of wetland methane emissions, iLEAPS Newsletter, Issue No. 4. http://~~~.atrn.helsinki.fi/ILEAPS/downloads/ILEAPS 4 verkkoon.pdf.
Cao, Mingkui, Stewart Marshall, and Keith Gregson. 1996. Global carbon exchange and methane emissions fiom natural wetlands: Application of a process-based model. Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 1 0 1, Issue D9, p. 14399- 144 14, doi: 1 0.1 029196JD002 19.
Cui, Jianbo, Changsheng Li and Carl Trettin. 2005. Modeling biogeochemistry and forest management practices for assessing GHGs mitigation strategies in forested wetlands, Environmental Modeling and Assessment (2005) 10:43-53, doi: 10.1007/sl0666-004-7261-6.
Gedney, N., P. M. Cox and C. Huntingford. 2004. Climate feedback from wetland methane emissions, Geophys. Res. Lett., 3 1, L20503, doi: 10.1029/2004GL0209 19.
van Bodegom P. M., P. A. Leffelaar, A. J. M. Stams, and R. Wassmann. 2000, Modeling methane emissions fiom rice fields: Variability, uncer tainty, and sensitivity analysis of processes involved. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 58,23 1-248.
van Bodegom P. M., R. Wassman, T. M. Metra-Cor ton. 2001. A process-based model for methane emission predictions from flooded rice paddies. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 15, 247-263.
Verma, Anuradha, V. Subramanian and R. Ramesh. 2002, Methane emissions fiom a coastal lagoon: Vembanad Lake, West Coast, India, Elsevier Science Ltd., doi: 10.101 61S0045- 6535(0 1)00288-0.
Walter B. P. and M. Heimann. 2000. A process-based, climate-sensitive model to derive methane emissions fiom natural wetlands: Application to five wetland sites, sensitivity to model parameters, and climate. Glob.Biogeochem.Cycle, 14,745-765.
