Ecosystem Services in the UTHF
摘要
The University of Tokyo Hokkaido Forest (UTHF) contributes to a variety of ecosystem services, including carbon storage and sequestration, water supply, and cultural services. The estimated carbon absorption by living trees in the UTHF is approximately 7908 Mg-CO2 y−1, which accounts for 47% of the total emissions from Furano City. Remote sensing methods have also been employed to evaluate the carbon stocks. While several studies have examined the carbon stocks of components other than living trees, more comprehensive research is needed. Streamwater from the UTHF has been intensively utilized as both drinking and nondrinking water resources. A number of hydraulic infrastructures are installed along the UTHF streams, eventually providing 0.13 and 200 tons of water for drinking and nondrinking water, respectively, to surrounding communities and croplands. In addition to these services, the trees in the UTHF have also supported the traditional activities of the indigenous Ainu people. The forest provides recreational opportunities and serves a source of various wild vegetables.