Decarbonization via Nature-Based Solutions: National Policy and International Practice

— The article analyzes modern international approaches to using natural-climate solutions (NCS) for decarbonization and achieving net zero emissions. It is concluded that the existing or planned implementation of state regulation in the field of NCS is clearly insufficient to unlock the potential of NCS in Russia as a possible leader in a promising new market in the coming decades. Realizing this potential requires significant targeted work to adjust the regulation and reprioritization of forest management—from extracting wood from forests for processing to integrated forest management, including quantification and monetization of forest carbon sequestration ecosystem services. The target for increasing greenhouse gas removals in the area of land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) presented in the Long-term Low Emissions and Development Strategies until 2050 (LT LEDS) was analyzed for its achievability based on the activity and projects presented in Section 3 of the LT LEDS Operational Plan (OP) (first version). It is concluded that the draft LT LEDS operational plan in terms of ecosystem solutions raises a lot of questions due to its poor compliance with modern ideas about ecosystem adaptation and mitigation, the use of NCS, etc. This part of the LT LEDS OP requires significant revision and adaptation to modern requirements. It will also require significant revision of the currently implemented federal project “Preservation of Forests” and the state program “Development of Forestry” for their integration into the LT LEDS. The first step along this path could be calculation of the carbon footprint and carbon additionality of ongoing forestry activity in relation to the baseline scenario and the correction of forest restoration activity.