Economic Value of the Arboretum

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 92 views

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra, located in Deli Serdang Regency, is home to the Arboretum Kuala Bekala, a lush and vibrant forest that holds great potential in terms of economic value. Through research led by Ribka Clara Sitorus under the supervision of Agus Purwoko and Siti Latifah, an analysis of the economic contribution of trees grown in this arboretum has been carried out. This study aims to determine the economic value of the Arboretum Kuala Bekala, focusing on its function as carbon absorbers and oxygen producers.

Methodology

The determination of economic value in this study was carried out by calculating carbon reserves from various types of trees found in the arboretum. Non-destructive methods were used to calculate carbon reserves in adult trees, seedlings, and poles. The allometric estimation of previous studies was also applied, adjusted to the local climate zone. In addition, to calculate carbon reserves in lower vegetation, a direct harvesting method involving measurement of wet weight, dry weight, and the number of individuals was used.

Results

The results of this study showed that the Arboretum of the University of North Sumatra contributed to absorbing around 45,926 tons of carbon. From the economic aspect, the carbon market value is estimated at Rp 5,150,968.30. This demonstrates the importance of this arboretum in efforts to mitigate climate change and improve the quality of the environment.

Oxygen Production

Apart from its function as carbon absorbers, this arboretum also plays a role in oxygen production. Measurement of oxygen production was done by estimating the canopy cover in the arboretum area. From the estimated results, this arboretum is able to produce oxygen as much as 2,038,144 liters per day, which has an economic value of around Rp 50,953,600.

Economic Value of the Arboretum

Further analysis of the economic value of the Arboretum shows the importance of forest management and preservation. Not only does it provide direct benefits for the environment, but it also has a significant economic value. In addition, the existence of the arboretum as a place of research and education also supports community understanding of the importance of the sustainability of ecosystems.

Conclusion

Thus, the Arboretum Kuala Bekala is not just a collection of trees, but is also a resource that can provide great benefits for the environment and the economy. Through this research, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining and utilizing natural resources wisely for future survival. This arboretum is a concrete example of how forest contributions can be measured and utilized in sustainable decision making.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Forest Management: The University of North Sumatra should prioritize forest management and preservation in the Arboretum Kuala Bekala. This includes regular monitoring of tree growth, pruning, and thinning to maintain a healthy and sustainable forest ecosystem.
Research and Education: The arboretum should continue to serve as a place of research and education, supporting community understanding of the importance of the sustainability of ecosystems.
Carbon Credit: The University of North Sumatra should consider applying for carbon credits, which can be sold on the carbon market to generate revenue and support sustainable forest management.
Community Engagement: The university should engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and the economic benefits of sustainable forest management.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Methodology: The non-destructive methods used to calculate carbon reserves may not be entirely accurate, and further research is needed to validate the results.
Scope: The study only focused on the Arboretum Kuala Bekala and did not consider other forests in the region.
Timeframe: The study only considered a single year and did not account for long-term changes in forest growth and carbon sequestration.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Long-term Monitoring: Conducting long-term monitoring of forest growth and carbon sequestration to better understand the dynamics of forest ecosystems.
Comparative Studies: Conducting comparative studies of different forest types and management practices to identify best practices for sustainable forest management.
Policy and Governance: Examining policy and governance frameworks that support sustainable forest management and carbon sequestration.

By addressing these limitations and future research directions, this study can contribute to a better understanding of the economic value of forests and inform sustainable decision making.

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to determine the economic value of the Arboretum Kuala Bekala, focusing on its function as carbon absorbers and oxygen producers.

Q: How was the economic value of the arboretum calculated?

A: The economic value of the arboretum was calculated by calculating carbon reserves from various types of trees found in the arboretum. Non-destructive methods were used to calculate carbon reserves in adult trees, seedlings, and poles. The allometric estimation of previous studies was also applied, adjusted to the local climate zone. In addition, to calculate carbon reserves in lower vegetation, a direct harvesting method involving measurement of wet weight, dry weight, and the number of individuals was used.

Q: What is the estimated carbon market value of the arboretum?

A: The estimated carbon market value of the arboretum is around Rp 5,150,968.30.

Q: How much oxygen is produced by the arboretum per day?

A: The arboretum is able to produce oxygen as much as 2,038,144 liters per day.

Q: What is the economic value of the oxygen produced by the arboretum?

A: The economic value of the oxygen produced by the arboretum is around Rp 50,953,600.

Q: Why is forest management and preservation important?

A: Forest management and preservation are important because they provide direct benefits for the environment and have a significant economic value. In addition, the existence of the arboretum as a place of research and education also supports community understanding of the importance of the sustainability of ecosystems.

Q: What are the recommendations for the University of North Sumatra based on the findings of this study?

A: The following recommendations are made:

Forest Management: The University of North Sumatra should prioritize forest management and preservation in the Arboretum Kuala Bekala. This includes regular monitoring of tree growth, pruning, and thinning to maintain a healthy and sustainable forest ecosystem.
Research and Education: The arboretum should continue to serve as a place of research and education, supporting community understanding of the importance of the sustainability of ecosystems.
Carbon Credit: The University of North Sumatra should consider applying for carbon credits, which can be sold on the carbon market to generate revenue and support sustainable forest management.
Community Engagement: The university should engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and the economic benefits of sustainable forest management.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

Methodology: The non-destructive methods used to calculate carbon reserves may not be entirely accurate, and further research is needed to validate the results.
Scope: The study only focused on the Arboretum Kuala Bekala and did not consider other forests in the region.
Timeframe: The study only considered a single year and did not account for long-term changes in forest growth and carbon sequestration.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should focus on:

Long-term Monitoring: Conducting long-term monitoring of forest growth and carbon sequestration to better understand the dynamics of forest ecosystems.
Comparative Studies: Conducting comparative studies of different forest types and management practices to identify best practices for sustainable forest management.
Policy and Governance: Examining policy and governance frameworks that support sustainable forest management and carbon sequestration.

By addressing these limitations and future research directions, this study can contribute to a better understanding of the economic value of forests and inform sustainable decision making.