Studies on key issues related to carbon sink of soil and water conservation

Cao Wenhong; Zhang Xiaoming; Zhang Yonge

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2024.04.003

Abstract：Soil and water conservation plays an important role in building ecological civilization and is a key measure for the water sector to achieve goals of"carbon peak and carbon neutralization".By means of theoretical studies and practical exploration,the focuses place on elaborating the connotation and mechanism of carbon sink of soil and water conservation,assessment and accounting of carbon sink capacity,carbon neutrality potential,trading and practices of enhancing carbon sink capacity.Carbon sink of soil and water conservation shall be achieved through measures of forestry,engineering,and cultivation,which have the effects of carbon sink,soil conservation,carbon sequestration,erosion control and emission reduction.Based on accounting of national scale carbon sink,the carbon sink of soil and water conservation by water resources department in 2021(excluding carbon sink of forest and grass measures)was from 13.95 million to 16.99 million tons of carbon,accounting for approximately 4％to 6％of the total carbon sink of terrestrial ecosystems in China.It's has not yet been included in the national carbon sink accounting system.In order to enhance the carbon sink capacity and contribution of soil and water conservation,it is necessary to further up mountain,river,forest,field,lake,grassland,and sand conservation system,coordinate the ecological functions of soil and water conservation such as sediment retention and reduction,purification and filtration,regulation and replenishment,tapping new water sources and water diversion,emission reduction and sink enhancement,improve quality and efficiency,boost soil and water conservation technologies in production and construction projects,and fully tap the potential of soil and water conservation for carbon sequestration and sink enhancement.