Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment and the Ministry of Water Resources in China have jointly released the "Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Emission Reduction Project Methodology: Sediment Dams," which introduces a calculation method for certified voluntary emission reductions, marking an international first in this area [1][2]. Group 1: Background and Significance - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes the integration of comprehensive soil erosion control into carbon sink capacity enhancement actions, highlighting the importance of sediment dams as a unique water and soil conservation engineering measure in China [1]. - Sediment dams are effective in intercepting sediment, preserving soil carbon, and reducing the mineralization of organic carbon in soil, thus providing favorable conditions for plant growth and contributing to carbon sequestration [1]. Group 2: Methodology Details - The methodology serves as the main guideline for the design, implementation, approval, and verification of greenhouse gas voluntary emission reduction projects, ensuring scientific, operable, and conservative principles [2]. - Key components of the sediment dam carbon sink methodology include applicable conditions, project boundaries, accounting periods, and carbon pool selection, with a minimum accounting period of 10 years and a maximum of 40 years [2]. Group 3: Future Directions - The Ministry of Water Resources plans to expand the coverage of the national carbon emission trading market and accelerate the construction of the voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market [2]. - There will be increased promotion and support for eligible sediment dam carbon sink projects, encouraging participation in the national voluntary emission reduction trading market to generate revenue for new sediment dam construction [2].

Core Viewpoint - The release of the "Greenhouse Gas Voluntary Emission Reduction Project Methodology for Silt Dams" marks China's first quantitative accounting standard for carbon sinks from silt dams, providing a scientific basis for integrating soil and water conservation projects in the Loess Plateau into the carbon trading market [1] Group 1: Methodology Overview - The silt dam carbon sink methodology consists of 9 chapters, outlining the applicable conditions, boundary scope, accounting period, and carbon pool selection for silt dam carbon sink projects [1] - The carbon pool accounting primarily focuses on soil carbon pools, with plant carbon pools as a supplementary measure, adhering to conservative principles and utilizing default parameter values to reduce development and regulatory costs [1] - The methodology emphasizes that projects must comply with the "Technical Specifications for Silt Dams" to ensure the reliability of engineering quality and carbon sink effects [1] Group 2: Market Integration and Future Steps - The silt dam carbon sink methodology is a necessary technical specification to support the inclusion of silt dam carbon sink projects in the national voluntary greenhouse gas emission reduction trading market, laying the foundation for participation in this market [1] - The methodology is expected to attract social capital investment in soil erosion control, further establishing a sound investment cycle mechanism for soil and water conservation [1] - The Yellow River Conservancy Commission will continue to enhance technical guidance and regulatory services, expanding the depth and breadth of carbon sink research in soil and water conservation, thereby injecting strong green momentum into the high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin [1]