Announcements from the UK Forestry Commission indicating the
release of a new Woodland Carbon Code could lead to greater investment in tree
planting in the UK, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).
FRA, a research and analysis consultancy, claims that the new code will help to
boost the number of trees planted in the UK, which, in turn, could help reduce
the country’s carbon emissions significantly.
The Forestry Commission stated that the new Woodland Carbon Code provides ‘a
consistent national approach as well as clarity and transparency to potential
investors about just what their money should buy them’. The press release
issued by the Commission this week explains that tree planting helps counteract
the damaging effects of fossil fuel burning as trees absorb carbon while releasing
oxygen into the atmosphere.
FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, added, “We always support attempts to
encourage more investment in forestry projects all over the world. Attracting
investment is key to both the developed world and to emerging economies, such
as Brazil and Indonesia, which both have the additional concern of controlling
illegal logging.”
FRA support projects such as the one operated by Greenwood Management in
Brazil, which directs foreign investment into developing sustainable plantations
of non-native trees, such as eucalyptus and teak.
In co-ordination with the new Woodland Carbon Code, the UK government’s
Department of Energy, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), has also changed the
guidelines on how organizations need to report their emissions or greenhouse
gas removals through Carbon Code projects.
“We now have the means to capitalise on some very significant funding
opportunities and attract very welcome new woods and forests for everyone’s
benefit,” stated Pam Warhurst, the Chair of the Forestry Commission.
Woodland projects need to be managed sustainably and to national standards in
order to comply with the new code. They will need to use the recommended
methods for estimating the amount of carbon that is to be captured, which will
also need to meet with certain transparency criteria and will be certified by
an independent party. “This code helps to clarify how investors’ money will
benefit the environment and helps to clear up confusion about carbon
capture," added Peter Collins.
Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
