Valutazione del ruolo dei Parchi Lombardi ai fini del sequestro di carbonio.

Evaluation of the role of Lombardy Parks (Italy) in carbon sequestration - The aim of this work is to evaluate the contribution of Lombardy Parks to carbon sequestration in the region, as reported in articles 3.3 and 3.4 of the Kyoto Protocol. Soil and vegetation carbon pools were estimated through models, based on ecological data collected in the field or reported in the literature. Moreover Net Ecosystem carbon Exchange (NEE) was estimated for the principal forest types. Lombardy Parks, covering 21.0% of the area of the region, contribute 21.5% of the regional soil organic carbon pool (239.5 TgC) and 23.6% of the vegetation carbon stock (99.5 TgC). Parks contribute 23.5% of the regional annual ecosystem carbon exchange (-4.6 TgCO2 a-1). Lombardy Parks, essentially established for the conservation of biodiversity, represent an opportunity for increasing and preserving soil and vegetation carbon pools.