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Forest

Young second rotation pine trees in volcanic soils of the central North Island, New Zealand

Young second rotation pine trees in volcanic
soils of the central North Island, New Zealand

Introduction

These forests are a major component of the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which in 2004 offset approximately 33% of NZ greenhouse gas emissions.

Forest covers approximately 29% of New Zealand’s land area. Indigenous forests cover 23% of the land area and the remaining 6% is covered in planted forests.

For further information on the carbon cycle and the role of forests in the carbon cycle, visit the following link:

Forest definition

There are various interpretations of what constitutes a forest. In an attempt to define a forest, and for the purposes of carbon accounting, New Zealand has agreed to use the following forest parameters, as selected from the Marrakesh Accords.

Kauri forest, Northland New Zealand.

Kauri forest, Northland New Zealand.

New Zealand has selected the upper limits of the forest definition parameters:

  • 1 ha
  • 30% canopy cover
  • potential to reach 5 m height at maturity

Types of forest

 

 

Last updated: 12 November 2008