Carbon Capture Capacity of Green Areas: A Sustainable Socioeconomic Approach Based on the Ecosystem Services of Ramón Castilla Park, Lince, Lima, Peru

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by the urban forest of Ramón Castilla Park in Lima, Peru, focusing on its capacity to store CO₂ as a mechanism mitigate global warning. A comprehensive forest inventory was conducted, collecting dendrometric data, including Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), total height (TH) and UTM coordinates for all trees. A total of 45 native and exotic tree species were identified. Phytolacca dioica exhibited the highest DBH (180 cm) and CO₂ storage capacity (1.2353 t CO₂/ha). Species were grouped based on abundance as follows: One individual – Persea americana, 0.1916 t CO₂/ha - USD 17.91 (S/. 65.73); two individuals – Phytolacca dioica, 1253 t CO₂/ha - USD 115.44 (S/.423.70); 3 to 50 individuals – Ceiba pentandra, 0.1558 t CO₂/ha - USD 14.56 (S/. 53.45); and 50 or more individuals – Gleditsia triacanthos, 0.2295 t CO₂/ha - USD 21.45 (S/. 78.72). The park’s total CO₂ storage was estimated at 1,476.52 t CO₂/ha, with economic valuation of USD 137,995.62 (S/. 506,443.92). Allometric modelling showed high coefficients of determination, such as 99.23% for Koelreuteria elegans, 99.10% for Shinus molle, and 98.40% for the general model. These results underscore the ecological and economical significance of urban forests in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.