Forest carbon credit quantity calculation system, forest carbon credit quantity calculation method, and program

Abstract

To enable the calculation of the quantity of carbon credits for a forest area.SOLUTION: A forest carbon credit quantity calculation system 1 calculates the quantity of carbon credits for a forest and is equipped with area information acquisition means 30 that acquires area information, which is information about a specified forest area, and carbon credit quantity calculation means 60 that calculates the quantity of carbon credits for the specified forest area based on the area information. The area information acquisition means 30 acquires the area information for the specified area that includes multiple regions owned by different owners, and the carbon credit quantity calculation means 60 calculates the quantity of carbon credits for the specified area including the multiple regions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a forest carbon credit amount calculation system, a forest carbon credit amount calculation method, and a program for calculating the amount of carbon credits of a forest. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a method for calculating a carbon credit amount, including the steps of calculating a segment carbon emission amount by performing a segment carbon emission procedure for each segment of the route, calculating a single carbon emission amount for this round of using the route by adding up the segment carbon emissions of all segments, calculating a single emission comparison amount based on the single carbon emission amount and the average carbon emission amount, adding the single emission comparison amount to a cumulative comparison carbon credit, outputting the updated cumulative comparison carbon credit, and updating the average carbon emission amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-164637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, forest carbon credits are calculated mainly based on the amount of carbon absorbed by the forest. This amount increases or decreases depending on factors such as the type of forest and the type and condition of the trees. However, the factors that affect the amount of carbon absorbed by forests vary depending on the forest area.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide a forest carbon credit calculation system that can calculate the amount of carbon credits according to the area of ​​the forest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A forest carbon credit amount calculation system for calculating the amount of forest carbon credits, an area information acquisition means for acquiring area information that is information about a predetermined area of ​​a forest; a carbon credit amount calculation means for calculating the amount of carbon credits for the specified area of ​​the forest based on the area information.

[0007] According to the invention (1), the forest carbon credit amount calculation system includes an area information acquisition means and a carbon credit amount calculation means, and calculates the amount of carbon credits of a forest. The area information acquisition means acquires area information, which is information relating to a predetermined area of ​​a forest. The carbon credit amount calculation means calculates the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area of ​​the forest based on the area information.

[0008] This makes it possible to calculate the amount of carbon credits for a specific area of ​​the forest based on area information, which is information relating to the specific area of ​​the forest. Therefore, it is possible to provide a forest carbon credit amount calculation system that can calculate the amount of carbon credits according to the area of ​​the forest.

[0009] (2) The area information acquisition means acquires the area information of the predetermined area including a plurality of areas each having a different owner; The forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to (1), wherein the carbon credit amount calculation means calculates the amount of carbon credits in the predetermined area including a plurality of the regions.

[0010] Here, there are cases where the land on which a certain forest is formed (e.g., a mountain) is owned by multiple parties. In such cases, calculating the amount of carbon credits for only the territory of each owner will result in an insufficient amount. Furthermore, if the designated area of ​​a forest eligible for forest carbon credits is limited to a portion of the forest, the labor costs of the forestry project to receive the carbon credits will be relatively high (for example, because some or all of the optimal methods for operating the forest will no longer be applicable), significantly reducing the total profits of the forestry project.

[0011] According to the invention (2), the area information acquisition means acquires area information of a predetermined area including a plurality of regions that are owned by different owners. Then, the carbon credit amount calculation means calculates the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area including a plurality of regions.

[0012] This allows for a larger designated area of ​​forest that is eligible for forest carbon credits, resulting in a larger amount of carbon credits and a reduction in labor costs for forestry projects.

[0013] (3) a labor cost calculation means for calculating the labor cost of managing the forest in the predetermined area; The forest carbon credit amount calculation system described in (1) or (2) is characterized in that it further comprises a revenue calculation means for calculating revenue in the specified area by referring to the amount of carbon credits and the labor costs.

[0014] According to the invention (3), the forest carbon credit amount calculation system further comprises a labor cost calculation means and a profit calculation means. The labor cost calculation means calculates the labor cost of managing forests in a predetermined area. The revenue calculation means calculates the revenue in a predetermined area by referring to the amount of carbon credits and labor costs.

[0015] This allows profits to be calculated taking into account the amount of carbon credits in a given area and the labor costs of managing the forest, making it possible to plan and consider forestry projects (e.g., forest conservation, regeneration, etc.) to maximize profits.

[0016] (4) A method executed by a forest carbon credit amount calculation system for calculating the amount of forest carbon credits, comprising: acquiring area information relating to a predetermined area of ​​the forest; and calculating the amount of carbon credits in the specified area of ​​the forest based on the area information.

[0017] (5) A forest carbon credit calculation system for calculating the amount of forest carbon credits. an area information acquisition means for acquiring area information that is information about a predetermined area of ​​a forest; A program that functions as a carbon credit amount calculation means that calculates the amount of carbon credits for the specified area of ​​a forest based on the area information.

[0018] According to the inventions (4) and (5), the same effects as those of the forest carbon credit calculation system according to (1) are achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to calculate the amount of carbon credits according to the area of ​​the forest. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of area information in the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the processing of zoning means 40 in the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart showing a forest carbon credit amount calculation process executed in the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] <Embodiment> [Outline of the Forest Carbon Credit Calculation System] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. An overview of the forest carbon credit calculation system 1 will be described.

[0023] The forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 calculates the amount of carbon credits of a forest. In this embodiment, forest carbon credits are tradable credits based on the amount of carbon absorbed by forestry projects that sustainably manage and regenerate forests. They are issued based on the carbon absorption capacity of forests and have monetary value that can be purchased by companies and other entities to compensate for their own carbon emissions.

[0024] The forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 acquires forest information, which is information relating to forests, from an external device, an internal storage means, or the like.

[0025] Here, in this embodiment, forest information includes images of the forest (for example, satellite images taken from above the forest or images taken by drones, images taken inside the forest, scan data obtained by 3D scanning the forest, etc.), information showing forest registers and forest planning maps, etc.

[0026] The forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 acquires area information, which is generated based on the acquired forest information and is information about a specific area where a forest project is to be implemented. The forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 may generate the area information or may acquire the area information from an external device. Furthermore, if the forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 acquires the area information from an external device, it does not need to acquire the forest information.

[0027] The forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 calculates the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area of ​​the forest based on the acquired area information.

[0028] According to this forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1, the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area of ​​a forest can be calculated based on area information, which is information relating to the predetermined area of ​​a forest. Therefore, it is possible to provide a forest carbon credit amount calculation system that can calculate the amount of carbon credits according to the area of ​​the forest.

[0029] [System Functionality Configuration] Next, the functional configuration of the system will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1 includes a forest information acquisition means 10, an area information generation means 20, an area information acquisition means 30, a zoning means 40, a labor planning means 50, a carbon credit amount calculation means 60, a revenue calculation means 70, and a memory means 100, and calculates the amount of carbon credits for a forest.

[0031] The forest information acquisition means 10 acquires forest information, which is information relating to forests, from an external device or other storage means, and stores it in the storage means 100. Here, in this embodiment, forest information includes information indicating the current state of the forest and information regarding the forest registered with national agencies, local governments, etc. (hereinafter also referred to as "local governments, etc."). Information showing the current state of the forest is in the form of images of the forest (for example, satellite images taken from above the forest or images taken by drones, images taken inside the forest, 3D scanned scan data, etc.). Information about forests registered with local governments and other organizations includes information showing forest registers and forest planning maps.

[0032] In this embodiment, the information indicating the forest register includes information indicating the location of the forest (town, village, lot number, etc.), the owner, the main tree species and age of the forest, restrictions on owned forests, etc., and an evaluation of the forest's functions (timber production function, water source conservation function, mountain disaster prevention function, soil conservation function, biodiversity conservation function, cultural preservation function, etc.). In addition, the information showing the forest plan is information on a map of the forest, with information showing the numbers and locations (lines defining the range) of the forest compartments, sub-compartments, and forest operation areas.

[0033] The area information generating means 20 generates area information, which is information about a predetermined area where a forest project will be implemented, based on the forest information acquired by the forest information acquiring means 10, and stores the area information in the storage means 100. The area information generating means 20 may determine an area of ​​a predetermined area (e.g., 500 ha) or more as the predetermined area, or may determine an area based on a user's operation (e.g., an area inside a line drawn on an image of a forest based on a user's operation) as the predetermined area.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of area information in the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The area information generating means 20 determines a predetermined area A surrounded by an area boundary line AB. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the predetermined area A includes multiple areas (aA, bA, cA, dA, eA) that have different owners.

[0035] 3, the area information generating means 20 determines the range of the predetermined area A by setting the boundaries of each region as the area boundary line AB of the predetermined area A, but this is not limiting and the area boundary line AB may be determined by any method. For example, the area information generating means 20 may determine the range where the amount of carbon fixation is greatest as the predetermined area A by using AI (Artificial Intelligence) using a machine learning model with each predetermined tree species in the forest or the amount of carbon fixation as the objective variable.

[0036] Returning to Fig. 2, the area information acquisition means 30 acquires the area information generated by the area information generation means 20. The area information acquisition means 30 may acquire the area information from an external device or the like.

[0037] The zoning means 40 zones the predetermined area indicated by the area information acquired by the area information acquisition means 30 based on the functions of the forest, generates zone information for each zone, and stores it in the storage means 100. Specifically, for example, the zoning means 40 analyzes an image of the forest, for example, using AI, based on information indicating the forest register (forest functions) and forest planning map, and identifies the current range of the forest zone.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the processing of the zoning means 40 in the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 4, the zoning means 40 divides the forest into zones with biodiversity conservation functions, zones with timber production functions, zones with cultural preservation functions, zones with mountain disaster prevention and soil conservation functions, etc., as examples of forest functions.

[0039] The zoning means 40 also analyzes the forest image using, for example, AI, and generates zone information for each zone. In this embodiment, the zone information includes the area of ​​each zone, the forest species (cultivated forest, naturally regenerated forest), tree species, tree age, stem volume (growth), land properties and conditions, and the like.

[0040] In addition, the zoning means 40 uses AI to estimate the state of the forest after a predetermined period of time (for example, every year) has passed based on meteorological information, etc., at the location where the forest is located, and generates zone information including information necessary for the carbon credit amount calculation means 60 described below to calculate the amount of carbon credits (for example, the amount of aboveground biomass absorption per year, the amount of belowground biomass absorption, the amount of aboveground biomass absorption until the reforested forest reaches the standard cutting age, etc., the amount of belowground biomass (roots) absorption until the reforested forest reaches the standard cutting age, etc., the amount of absorption related to carbon fixation of felled wood that is used over a period considered to be permanent, the amount of aboveground biomass emission associated with main felling, the amount of belowground biomass emission associated with main felling, the amount of absorption if forest management activities were not carried out, etc.).

[0041] Returning to FIG. 2, the labor planning means 50 analyzes, for example, using AI, the area information generated by the area information generating means 20 (acquired by the area information acquiring means 30) and the zone information generated by the zoning means 40, formulates a forestry operation plan (final cutting, afforestation, tending, thinning, protection, etc.) for a specified area, calculates labor costs indicating the expenses required to implement the forestry operation plan, and stores the calculated labor costs in the storage means 100. Such labor planning means 50 functions as labor cost calculation means for calculating the labor costs for managing the forest in a specified area. Note that the forestry operation plan may be formulated entirely by AI, or may be formulated by the user based on the results of the AI ​​analysis, or may be formulated entirely by the user.

[0042] In detail, the labor planning means 50 determines the scope and timing of each of multiple types of operations, such as final felling, afforestation, tending, thinning, and protection, based on area information and zone information. The labor planning means 50 optimizes forestry operation plans by prioritizing methods with low labor costs (less labor required, less danger, less difficulty of work, etc.). The labor planning means 50 can also create forestry operation plans that can reduce labor costs by reducing man-days through the introduction of high-performance machinery and optimization of travel distances.

[0043] For example, in a felling plan, the labor planning means 50 identifies a location that best satisfies the following conditions based on area information and zone information: Then, it formulates a plan to proceed from the identified location to adjacent areas in order. Condition 1: The plot is adjacent to or closest to a forest road maintained by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Condition 2: The location must be adjacent to the optimal route (pre-planned based on topographical data, etc.) for a work road (for work / temporary) extending from a forest road (permanent). Condition 3: The forest is aging or overcrowded (not receiving enough sunlight) and is a small plot where tree growth is hardly expected.

[0044] Furthermore, the labor planning means 50, in its felling plan, determines the felling time that maximizes the amount of carbon credits (carbon fixation) based on area and zone information. For example, trees grow rapidly from 10 to 40 years old and then decline in growth. Therefore, the labor planning means 50 formulates a plan to thin trees while they are still growing, or to perform final felling (cutting down the entire tree across the entire sub-section) before the decline in growth rate becomes significant. In this embodiment, "growth rate" refers to the slope of the growth curve expressed when the growth of timber is plotted on a graph with timber volume on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. "Before the decline in growth rate becomes significant" refers to the timing when the growth rate falls below a predetermined value.

[0045] Furthermore, the labor planning means 50 calculates the labor costs when the forestry operation plan optimized as described above is implemented. For example, the labor planning means 50 calculates the labor costs when the forestry operation plan described above is implemented by "man-days x labor costs + fuel costs for forestry equipment + expenses (costs of equipment wear and tear, general expenses, etc.)."

[0046] The carbon credit amount calculation means 60 calculates the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area of ​​a forest based on area information. The carbon credit amount calculation means 60 also calculates the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area that includes multiple regions. In detail, the carbon credit amount calculation means 60 calculates the amount of carbon credits based on the carbon dioxide absorption amount (hereinafter also referred to as "absorption amount") in the predetermined area where the forest project is implemented, based on the area information generated by the area information generation means 20 (acquired by the area information acquisition means 30) and the zone information generated by the zoning means 40, and stores the amount of carbon credits in the storage means 100.

[0047] For example, the carbon credit calculation means 60 calculates the absorption amount (total of multiple zones) in a predetermined area where the forestry project is implemented for each fiscal year during the period of the forestry project. Note that the carbon credit calculation means 60 may also calculate the absorption amount for each zone.

[0048] Specifically, the carbon credit amount calculation means 60 calculates the absorption amount for each fiscal year using the following formula. Formula: Ctotal (absorption amount for the current fiscal year) = CPJ - Ccut - CBL

[0049] "CPJ" is the absorption amount after the project is implemented in the fiscal year. The amount of absorption after the project is implemented in a given fiscal year is the sum of the amount of absorption of above-ground biomass, the amount of absorption of below-ground biomass, the amount of absorption of above-ground biomass until the reforested forest reaches the standard cutting age, the amount of absorption of below-ground biomass (roots) until the reforested forest reaches the standard cutting age, and the amount of absorption related to carbon fixation from felled wood that is used for a period that is considered permanent. In order to maximize the absorption amount, it is necessary to maximize the absorption amount after the project is implemented. Therefore, it is desirable that the area information generating means 20 determine a predetermined area in which the absorption amount after the project is implemented will be maximized. It is also desirable that the labor planning means 50 formulate a forestry operation plan in which the absorption amount after the project is implemented will be maximized.

[0050] "Ccut" is the post-project emissions for the fiscal year. The post-project emissions for the fiscal year in question are the sum of the emissions of above-ground biomass associated with main felling and the emissions of below-ground biomass associated with main felling for the fiscal year in question.

[0051] "CBL" is the baseline absorption for the year. The baseline removals for the year are the removals that would have occurred if no forest management activities had been carried out.

[0052] The revenue calculation means 70 calculates the revenue for a predetermined area by referring to the amount of carbon credits and labor costs. Specifically, the revenue calculation means 70 subtracts the monetary value of the labor costs for implementing a forest operation plan for the forest project in the predetermined area, calculated by the labor planning means 50, from the monetary value of the amount of carbon credits for the predetermined area where the forest project is implemented, calculated by the carbon credit amount calculation means 60, to calculate the revenue for the forest project and store it in the storage means 100.

[0053] Furthermore, if the predetermined area includes multiple areas owned by different owners, the revenue calculation means 70 may allocate the calculated revenue of the entire forest project proportionally among the multiple owners. In this case, the revenue calculation means 70 may allocate the revenue proportionally to each owner according to the contribution of each owner and the area owned by each owner to the forest project. For example, the revenue calculation means 70 may allocate more revenue to an owner who owns an area with a larger absorption amount.

[0054] The functional configuration of the present system described above is merely an example. A single functional block (database and functional processing unit) may be divided, or multiple functional blocks may be combined into a single functional block. Each functional processing unit is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) built into a device or terminal that reads a computer program (e.g., a core software or an application that causes the CPU to execute the above-mentioned processes) stored in a storage device (storage means) such as a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or hard disk, and then executes the computer program. That is, each functional processing unit is implemented by the computer program reading and writing necessary data, such as tables, from a database (DB) stored in the storage device or a storage area in memory, and, in some cases, controlling related hardware (e.g., an input / output device, a display device, a communication interface device). Furthermore, the database (DB) in the embodiments of the present invention may be a commercial database, but it also refers to a simple collection of tables and files, and the internal structure of the database itself is not important.

[0055] [Forest carbon credit calculation process] Next, we will explain the forest carbon credit amount calculation process executed by the forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1. In the following process flow diagram (flowchart), the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between input and output of each step is not affected. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a forest carbon credit amount calculation process executed in the forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] In step S1, the forest information acquisition means 10 acquires forest information (information indicating forest images, forest registers, forest planning maps, etc.) which is information about forests from external devices or internal storage means, etc., and stores it in the storage means 100.

[0057] In step S2, the area information generation means 20 generates area information (see Figure 3), which is information regarding the specified area where the forest project will be carried out, based on the forest information acquired by the forest information acquisition means 10 in step S1, and stores it in the storage means 100.

[0058] In step S3, the area information acquisition means 30 acquires the area information generated by the area information generation means 20 in step S2.

[0059] In step S4, the zoning means 40 zones the specified area indicated by the area information acquired by the area information acquisition means 30 in step S3 based on the functions of the forest, generates zone information for each zone, and stores it in the memory means 100.

[0060] In step S5, the labor planning means 50 analyzes, for example, using AI, the area information acquired by the area information acquisition means 30 in step S3 and the zone information generated by the zoning means 40 in step S4, and formulates a forest operation plan (main harvest, afforestation, care, thinning, protection, etc.) for the specified area, calculates labor costs indicating the expenses required to implement the forest operation plan, and stores them in the memory means 100.

[0061] In step S6, the carbon credit amount calculation means 60 calculates the amount of carbon credits based on the area information acquired by the area information acquisition means 30 and the zone information generated by the zoning means 40 in step S4, and based on the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed in the specified area where the forest project is to be implemented, and stores the amount of carbon credits in the memory means 100.

[0062] In step S7, the revenue calculation means 70 subtracts the monetary value of the labor costs calculated by the labor planning means 50 in step S5 when the forest operation plan is implemented in the specified area for the forest project from the monetary value of the amount of carbon credits in the specified area where the forest project is implemented calculated by the carbon credit amount calculation means 60 in step S6, calculates the revenue of the forest project, and stores it in the memory means 100.

[0063] According to this forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1, the amount of carbon credits for a predetermined area of ​​a forest can be calculated based on area information, which is information relating to the predetermined area of ​​a forest. Therefore, it is possible to provide a forest carbon credit amount calculation system that can calculate the amount of carbon credits according to the area of ​​the forest.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the forest carbon credit amount calculation system 1, area information for a specified area including multiple areas with different owners is obtained and the amount of carbon credits for the specified area including multiple areas is calculated, which makes it possible to increase the size of the specified area of ​​the forest that is eligible for forest carbon credits, thereby increasing the amount of carbon credits and reducing the labor costs of forest projects.

[0065] Furthermore, the forest carbon credit calculation system 1 can calculate profits in a specified area taking into account the amount of carbon credits and the labor costs of managing the forest, making it possible to plan and consider forest projects (e.g., forest conservation, regeneration, etc.) to maximize profits.

[0066] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Forest carbon credit calculation system 10 Means of acquiring forest information 20 Area information generation means 30 Area information acquisition method 40 Zoning Measures 50 Labor Planning Tools 60 Carbon credit calculation method 70 Revenue calculation method 100 Memory means

Claims

1. A forest carbon credit amount calculation system for calculating the amount of forest carbon credits, an area information acquisition means for acquiring area information that is information about a predetermined area of ​​a forest; a carbon credit amount calculation means for calculating the amount of carbon credits in the specified area of ​​the forest based on the area information.

2. the area information acquisition means acquires the area information of the predetermined area including a plurality of areas each having a different owner; 2. The forest carbon credit amount calculation system according to claim 1, wherein the carbon credit amount calculation means calculates the amount of carbon credits for the predetermined area including a plurality of the regions.

3. a labor cost calculation means for calculating the labor cost of managing the forest in the predetermined area; The forest carbon credit amount calculation system described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a revenue calculation means for calculating revenue in the specified area by referring to the amount of carbon credits and the labor costs.

4. A method executed by a forest carbon credit amount calculation system for calculating the amount of carbon credits of a forest, acquiring area information relating to a predetermined area of ​​the forest; and calculating the amount of carbon credits in the specified area of ​​the forest based on the area information.

5. The forest carbon credit calculation system calculates the amount of forest carbon credits. an area information acquisition means for acquiring area information that is information about a predetermined area of ​​a forest; A program that functions as a carbon credit amount calculation means that calculates the amount of carbon credits for the specified area of ​​a forest based on the area information.

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