On Aug 21, Hechi held Guangxi's first issuance and trading ceremony for forestry carbon credits in the Huanjiang Maonan autonomous county. A total of 28 forestry carbon credits were issued during the event, with carbon emissions reduced by 19,800 metric tons, involving the conversion of 990.72 hectares of commercial forest in Huashan Forest Farm into ecological public welfare forest.

These carbon credits can be traded on the market for cash. Calculated at the current market average price of 80 yuan ($11) per ton, they are valued at over 1.58 million yuan.

Forestry carbon credits serve as certificates for the carbon emission reduction benefits of forest trees, representing the carbon sequestration and oxygen release functions of a forest as assets for trading. With the endorsement of forestry carbon credits, Guangxi's forests can bring direct economic benefits.

Hechi is rich in forestry resources, with a forest area of 39.75 million mu, a forest stock volume of 1.4 billion cubic meters, and a forest coverage rate of 46.16 percent. In recent years, seizing the opportunity to develop a pilot zone for green development, Hechi has been working to peak carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, selecting Huanjiang as a pilot area for forestry carbon sequestration last year.

An aerial view of Hechi. [Photo/Hechi Daily]