The personification of commitment to environmental stewardship is Cyril Melikov, Head of Forest Restoration and Management Projects at EP Carbon. Cyril was born in France and is currently located in the United States. His remarkable path from a young boy who loved the outdoors to a prominent person in forest carbon management and forest restoration is evidence of his steadfast dedication.
Cyril guides teams through complex procedures at EP Carbon, making sure that GHG modeling and GIS evaluations adhere to strict guidelines. He is also highly knowledgeable in forest sciences, which are essential to comprehending carbon sequestration and ecosystem dynamics. Cyril holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from McGill University and a Master of Forestry from the University of California, Berkeley. His training in silviculture, pedology, agriculture, and hydrology, together with his work experiences, has given him a thorough grasp of these fields. This understanding is the cornerstone of his work in developing practical nature-based climate solutions, as forest health is essential to ecosystem resilience and carbon storage.
Because of his expertise in forest sciences, Cyril can evaluate how land management techniques affect forest carbon levels and create plans to improve forest health, structure, and composition over time, which helps to mitigate climate change. "Improving the management of existing forests can slow climate change by increasing carbon sequestration and maximizing carbon stocks in managed forest stands," he says.
"Improved forest management is also a promising avenue for climate change mitigation as it tends to be cost-effective and rapidly deployable," Cyril continues. "This management can take many forms depending on the local context, such as reduced-impact logging, liana control, extending forest stand rotations, thinning, or using controlled burns on forest understories in forests at risk for severe drought, fire, or insect outbreaks. Promoting the growth of mixed stands composed of several tree species is another method. These actions increase the carbon stocks of existing forests and enhance their stability over time."
A turning point was when Cyril researched forest management techniques for his master's thesis at UC Berkeley, which revealed real-world applicability for his theoretical study. It assessed the net impacts of various widely-used management actions, including thinning and fertilization, on carbon stocks in forest plantations. It aimed to inform and refine the design and scoping of forest carbon management projects. This thesis was published in a top forestry journal, "Current Forestry Reports." His motivation to support international environmental solutions was sparked by this encounter.
"The key is to apply the right treatment, at the right intensity, at the right timing, and in the right context," he says. "Improved forest management not only enhances carbon sequestration but also provides additional ecological benefits such as increased forest biodiversity and improved soil fertility. It enhances resilience to disturbances like pests and natural disasters, which is crucial for the durability of carbon sequestered in the landscape, especially in a changing climate," he adds.
Outside of the classroom. Cyril has co-authored works that have been published in esteemed journals such as Nature Climate Change and offers insightful analyses of natural solutions for climate change. Notably, both policymakers and practitioners of the carbon market have benefited from his work in finding scientifically valid approaches for mitigating climate change.
Creating a comprehensive dataset on carbon buildup in worldwide monoculture plantation forests was one important undertaking. This dataset is an important global resource for academics and practitioners, having been published in Nature Communications.
Leadership and creative thinking characterize Cyril's influence. His contribution to the creation of models for the growth of carbon in trees and his mentoring of young experts are proof of his dedication to the advancement of the area. Effective cooperation has produced powerful research and inventions, as evidenced by partnerships with universities, NGOs, and the commercial sector.
Cyril's leadership and flexibility have been put to the test. It took a lot of adjustment to go from research and NGO settings to the business sector. His ability to manage varied teams and adjust to various cultural circumstances, coupled with his ability to thrive in both field and office environments, has improved his leadership abilities. Additionally, his willingness to step out of his comfort zone has allowed him to engage meaningfully with local stakeholders.
Looking to the future, Cyril ambitions to be recognized globally as an expert in using natural solutions to address environmental challenges, with a special focus on forest and agricultural areas. He hopes to have a major environmental effect by collaborating with businesses to provide creative and sustainable solutions.
Cyril Melikov's transformation from a lover of the outdoors to a prominent player in environmental solutions is inspiring. His leadership, creative skills, and commitment to environmental stewardship make him a formidable opponent of climate change. Cyril continues to advance meaningful environmental projects and deepen our understanding of nature-based solutions via his work.
