Measuring above-ground carbon stock using spatial analysis and the InVEST model: Application in the Thoria Watershed, India

We present an application of the method to the Thoria watershed in India. We analyze land cover changes in the Thoria watershed between the years 2000, 2020 and future scenarios, and subsequently map the above-ground carbon stock using the InVEST model along with remotely sensed data. The land use products and above-ground carbon stock modelling results can be used by diverse stakeholders to support land use planning, especially decisions around how to allocate land resource to balance food production, carbon sequestration, and other ecosystem services provided by common lands. The Thoria watershed, located in Rajasthan, spans 4500 hectares with a semi-arid climate. It consists of seven villages, featuring undulating topography and a population of 8100 across 1567 households. About 10% belong to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The area comprises 1413 hectares of cultivated land, with 56.7% being rainfed and 44.3% irrigated. Initiated in 1996, the Foundation for Ecological Security undertook Common Land Development projects, starting in the Thoria watershed and extending to other areas. The focus is on land and water conservation activities to address challenges and improve livelihoods sustainably.