Implementation of the Carbon Neutralization Plan by Means of the Development of a Multi-Storied Forest

Large-scale cultural events generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions, raising increasing concerns regarding carbon neutrality. In Taiwan, long-standing forest conservation policies have largely restricted commercial logging since the early 1990s, resulting in extensive secondary forests where active management options are limited. Within this policy context, improved forest management (IFM) provides a potential pathway to enhance carbon sequestration while maintaining conservation objectives. This study evaluates the feasibility of using afforestation combined with IFM to offset the carbon emissions of the Taipei Biennial 2020, estimated at approximately 390 t CO2-e. Carbon sequestration was assessed using the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) methodology (VM0005 v1.2) under the principles of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). A total area of 52.70 ha was assessed, with 10.11 ha designated as the project activity area. Over a 25-year period, projected CO2 sequestration across four baseline scenarios ranged from 3816 to 4523 tons, indicating that event-related emissions could be offset within 8–9 years. Uncertainty remains due to hypothetical management assumptions, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive management.