Carbon balance in Tuscany Region

In 2003 IBIMET-CNR has carried out made a preliminary study on the regional carbon(CO2) balance at the level of regional administration. In particular, the data aAvailable data on anthropogenic CO2 emissions (IRSE), (Regional Air/Environment Emissions Inventory, 1995 and 2000), and estimated values of the potential carbon dioxide sequestration values by forests, were analysed with the objective of to calculate drawing up a first net emissions for the entire region ( balance (Emissions – Sequestrations Source minus Sink) with at the level of the entire Tuscany Region, and with details on every single municipality.

Anthropogenic CO2 source (point sources, linear and diffuse carbon dioxide emissions) was available for each administrative department . The overall carbon dioxide sequestration by forest ecosystems was estimated using proprietary flux data measured on a number of field stations and others sources of information obtained from collaborating institutions (University of Tuscia, Viterbo and the EU-Joint Research Centre of Ispra) as well as bibliographic sources. The CORINE LAND COVER (1992) was used for land use classification to assign the proper NEP values (Net ecosystem productivity, g CO2 m-2) to each relevant land use class. The data were finally integrated in a GIS (Geographical Information System).

Based on those results, the Tuscany Region Administration has recently funded the implementation of the ‘Osservatorio Kyoto per la Regione Toscana’ (Kyoto Observatory for Tuscany Region). This project mainly aims to address a number of questions related to the regional Carbon balance by means of:

1. the calculation of carbon balance at the regional level through innovative technologies which include flux measurements using ground and airborne systems
2. the creation of a Decision Support System for the private sector addressing the most important questions related to emission reduction policies and carbon emission trading.

The ‘Osservatorio Kyoto per la Regione Toscana’ will combine information circulation and monitoring activities to promote sustainable development. In this way, the Tuscany Region intends to comply Kyoto’s commitments and provide new opportunities for the private sector to develop the most appropriate strategies for the implementation of flexible mechanisms. The Observatory will allow to:

- design and plan the most appropriate activities for the optimization of environmental and energy policies;
- provide local authorities with a flow of updated information concerning possible strategies in compliance with the Kyoto Protocol;
- enhance public awareness of the existing issues concerning both Kyoto Protocol and regional strategies;

In this way, the Tuscany Region will provide an operational follow-up in terms of socio-economic development and international relationships thus implementing previous political commitments concerning globalisation policies and their social value. Tuscany is already a leader among italian regions, on this.

A Web Portal is already available to the general public at the URL: www.osservatoriokyoto.it