Our Mission
The Forest Carbon Research Lab aims to advance high-integrity forest- and bamboo-based climate solutions through interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and international collaboration.
Based at the Faculty of Forestry, University of British Columbia, the Lab connects forest science, bamboo research, carbon markets, climate policy, and sustainable development. Our mission is to support evidence-based climate action by improving the understanding, design, and governance of forest and bamboo carbon solutions in both domestic and international contexts.
We are particularly interested in how forests, bamboo ecosystems, and other nature-based solutions can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation while supporting biodiversity conservation, rural livelihoods, community development, and international cooperation.
Core Objectives
1. Advance research on forest carbon and nature-based solutions
We study the role of forests and other nature-based systems in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our work examines forest carbon sinks, carbon accounting, ecosystem management, biodiversity co-benefits, watershed protection, community livelihoods, and the long-term credibility of nature-based climate solutions.
2. Strengthen bamboo-based climate research
We explore the climate and sustainability potential of bamboo resources, including bamboo forest management, carbon sequestration, bamboo-based products, ecosystem services, substitution effects, rural development, and bamboo carbon projects. This work supports broader efforts to integrate bamboo into climate policy, carbon markets, and sustainable development strategies.
3. Improve the integrity of carbon markets and offset mechanisms
The Lab examines the design and governance of carbon markets, with a focus on forest and bamboo carbon offset projects. Key topics include additionality, permanence, reversal risk, monitoring, reporting and verification, benefit sharing, leakage, environmental integrity, and social safeguards.
4. Contribute to Article 6 and international climate governance
We analyze the development and implementation of market-based mechanisms under the Paris Agreement, especially Article 6. Our work supports policy discussions on cooperative approaches, carbon market integrity, nature-based solutions, and the role of forest and bamboo resources in national and international climate action.
5. Support climate action in the Global South
The Lab is committed to strengthening international cooperation on forest- and bamboo-based climate solutions, particularly in developing-country contexts. We examine how climate finance, carbon markets, capacity building, and institutional partnerships can support mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
6. Promote policy dialogue and international collaboration
We engage with universities, international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, carbon market practitioners, and civil society partners. Through expert consultations, policy dialogues, side events, workshops, and research partnerships, the Lab works to bridge scientific research and practical climate action.
7. Build capacity and support youth engagement
The Lab supports education, training, and early-career engagement on climate change, forests, bamboo, carbon markets, and sustainable development. Through international forums, student research, and collaborative activities, we aim to help build the next generation of researchers and practitioners working on nature-based climate solutions.
Long-term Vision
Our long-term vision is to become a leading research and collaboration platform on forest and bamboo carbon solutions, carbon market governance, and nature-based climate action. By combining scientific research, policy analysis, and international engagement, the Forest Carbon Research Lab aims to contribute to credible, inclusive, and scalable climate solutions for a changing world.
