Tree aboveground biomass and species richness of the mature tropical forests of Darien, Panama, and their role in global climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation

Abstract

AbstractThe remote forests of the Darien region in eastern Panama are among the last remnants of relatively undisturbed forest habitat in the Central American isthmus. Despite decades of efforts by the government, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society, including Indigenous peoples, to protect the region's natural heritage, it remains under significant threat due to widespread illegal logging. Now, the Panamanian government is considering the mechanism, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), as another option to limit forest loss. Central to the proper functioning of REDD+ is the need to reduce uncertainties in estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB). These estimates are used to establish realistic reference levels against which additional contributions to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the loss and degradation of forests can be financially compensated. Also, highly desirable to REDD+ is the achievement of biodiversity cobenefits. REDD+ investments will likely be directed primarily to areas where the potential to simultaneously mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity is highest. Here, we present the results of a field‐based forest carbon inventorying method tested in Darien's mature forests with the participation of Embera and Wounaan Indigenous peoples. We also explore whether variations in field‐based estimates of AGB across mature forests, in both undisturbed and disturbed areas, are detectable through free and readily‐available remote sensing data sources. Furthermore, we examine and compare AGB and tree species richness in Darien with other well‐studied forest sites across the tropics. Our findings reveal that Darien's forests play a crucial role globally and regionally in storing carbon and housing biodiversity, and support the imperative need to protect these forests in a culturally appropriate manner with the region's Indigenous peoples.