4.8 Future Research Needs
This chapter suggests a host of future research needs. A combination of statistical,
ecological, and socio-economic research would be helpful to better understand
the situation of the land, the forces of land-use change and the dynamic of
forest carbon pools in relation to human activities and natural disturbance.
More precise information is needed about degradation or improvement of secondary
and natural forests throughout the world, but particularly in developing countries.
Some specific examples are:
- assessment of land available for mitigation options based on socio-economic
pressures and land tenure policies. Furthermore, it would be beneficial if
the impact of market price of carbon mitigated on land available for mitigation
opportunities in different countries was understood;
- implications of financial incentives and mechanisms on LULUCF sector mitigation
potential in different countries;
- comparative advantage (mitigation cost, ancillary benefits, etc.) of LULUCF
sector mitigation options over energy sector opportunities;
- development and assessment of different approaches to developing baselines
for LULUCF activities and comparison with other sectors; and
- socio-economic and environmental costs and benefits of implementing LULUCF
sector mitigation options in developing countries, including issues such as
property rights and land tenure.
Finally, an important consideration is the problem of leakages. Research would
help to determine the conditions under which leakage is likely to be a serious
problem and when it may be less so. Estimates of the degree of leakage under
varying circumstances could be made so that appropriate adjustments in carbon
credits can be made.