Carbon Sequestration Potential of Sustainable Green Areas at Prince of Songkhla University, Hat Yai Campus: A Case Study Surrounding the Office of the President Building

Abstract

Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, is located adjacent to Kho Hong Mountain, covering a total area of 1,670 rai. This area includes approximately 1,059 rai of flat terrain, 611 rai of elevated terrain, and 70.56 rai of reservoir. The university's green areas, primarily situated on the slopes of Kho Hong Mountain, comprise a large contiguous forested zone. These green areas play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating the impacts of climate change, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 1) SDG 13 (Climate Action), which focuses on reducing climate change impacts; 2) SDG 15 (Life on Land), emphasizing ecosystem protection and restoration; and 3) SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which promotes sustainable urban and community development through effective green space management. This research aims to assess the carbon sequestration potential of sustainable green spaces within the Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai Campus, focusing on the area surrounding the President Office. This area, encompassing approximately 8.23 rai, includes parking lots and forest gardens. Data collection involved surveying trees in flat terrain to evaluate aboveground and belowground carbon storage. A survey was conducted, recording data for all trees taller than 1.30 meters and with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of at least 4.50 centimeters. The recorded data included: 1) species, 2) number of trees, 3) DBH, 4) total tree height, 5) photographs, and 6) geographic coordinates. The study result identified 185 individual trees, representing 20 species. The five most abundant species were: 1) Hopea odorata (35 trees), 2) Jacaranda obtusifolia (22 trees), 3) Fagraea fragrans (16 trees), 4) Polyalthia longifolia (15 trees), and 5) Cassia siamea (12 trees). Using allometric equations and the 47% biomass carbon content guideline from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon sequestration was calculated according to the criteria established by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization). The results revealed that the green spaces of the university could absorb Carbon dioxide approximately 70,132.56 kg-Carbon.

Keywords: Carbon sequestration, Sustainable green area, President Office, Greenhouse gas