Estimation on grassland carbon sink potential and development countermeasure in Inner Mongolia

Grassland degradation is a serious issue in northern China, while the carbon sequestration potential of grassland is great, enhancing plant and soil carbon sequestration potential of grassland, recovering and protecting grassland need to make corresponding development countermeasures. Based on the analysis of the present situation of grassland degradation in Inner Mongolia, the carbon sequestration potential of different grassland types is assessed and estimated, the carbon sequestration potential of degraded grassland in Inner Mongolia is 45.86 Tg C per year and natural carbon value of grassland is 11.9 billion yuan per year. According to the evaluation results of carbon sequestration potential of grassland under different management measures, earnings of grassland carbon sink is forecasted, the favorable conditions to perfect grassland carbon mechanism and policy are analyzed, and suggestions on exploring and establishing longterm mechanism to promote the development of pastoral and herders income are raised.