The University of Tokyo, in collaboration with NEC, has developed a method to calculate carbon accumulation rates in forests with improved efficiency and accuracy. Utilizing the university's VISIT model and NEC's data assimilation technology, the research focused on Lambir Hills National Park in Malaysia, achieving a daily margin of error of 9.4%.
The VISIT model, an ecosystem simulator, estimates carbon stocks and fluxes by analyzing forest vegetation, soil, and meteorological data. NEC's data assimilation technology, which is patent pending, enhances this model by correcting data errors, leading to more precise carbon accumulation measurements.
This joint initiative aligns with NEC's efforts to quantify greenhouse gas removals in Southeast Asian forests and develop carbon credits in the forestry sector. The VISIT model, particularly effective in Asian regions, could play a significant role in advancing forest carbon credit development, as current methodologies primarily reference models designed for Europe and North America.
Data assimilation technology, though not widely applied in forestry, shows promise for improving model accuracy by adjusting parameters based on discrepancies between model outputs and observed data. NEC plans to further enhance carbon flux estimation by integrating the VISIT model with satellite-mounted hyperspectral sensors.
Building on these findings, NEC aims to accelerate initiatives in natural capital accounting and carbon credit development, contributing to forest conservation efforts. The collaboration signifies a step forward in leveraging technology for environmental sustainability in the region.
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