Estimation of carbon storage of tropical mangroves in the North Maluku Islands region

Abstract

The mangroves possess a remarkable capacity to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), surpassing tropical rainforests by fourfold. This underscores the crucial role played by mangroves in global efforts to combat climate change. This study aimed to assess the biomass, carbon content, and CO2 absorption capabilities of mangrove ecosystems. Data collection followed the line transect method, utilizing the Mangrove Watch guide, which involved recording the diameter of mangroves at breast height (DBH), typically around 1.3 meters above the ground, as well as identifying the mangrove species and quantifying the number of stands for each tree species. The analysis of mangrove biomass, carbon content, and CO2 absorption capacity was conducted through an allometric modeling approach. The findings revealed the presence of seven distinct mangrove tree species at the study site, namely Rhizophora mucronata, R. apiculata, R. stylosa, Sonneratia alba, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Xylocarpus granatum, and Ceriops decandra. The mangrove density in this area was recorded at 1406 trees per hectare, with a corresponding biomass of 630,508 tons per hectare, a carbon content of 246,035 tons of carbon per hectare, and an impressive CO2 absorption capacity of 902,127 tons of CO2 per hectare. Notably, the mangrove vegetation in this research site exhibited a substantial capacity for CO2 absorption and biomass storage, surpassing many other locations in different regions. These findings underscore the significant role that island mangrove ecosystems can play in mitigating the effects of climate change.