Forest structure, aboveground biomass and carbon potential of Sangalang mangrove forest in Biliran Island, Philippines

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Research Paper 16/05/2023
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Forest structure, aboveground biomass and carbon potential of Sangalang mangrove forest in Biliran Island, Philippines

Melanie Moncada, Randy Villarin, Ruffy Rodrigo, Maria Opelia Moreno, Litlen Dapar, Florante Sabejon
J. Biodiv. & Environ. Sci. 22(5), 118-125, May 2023.
Copyright Statement: Copyright 2023; The Author(s).
License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

Mangrove forests are renowned for their ecological importance and capacity to sequester carbon, making them vital in climate change mitigation and providing valuable ecosystem services. This study was conducted in the Sangalang locality of Biliran Island, Philippines. Using a random sampling approach, we established nine permanent plots along three transect lines. Descriptive statistics and simple ANOVA were employed to assess forest structure variations, estimate biomass, and carbon sequestration potential. The biomass in the study area ranged from 1460 to 9496kg/ha (equivalent to 23 – 208 tAGB/ha) across all plots, with a coefficient of variation of 1.9. Total carbon stock varied from 11 to 100 tC/ha, and the maximum carbon sequestration potential was estimated at 368 tC/ha. Despite the relatively low species richness, with only five recorded species, the mangrove locality demonstrated significant potential for carbon sequestration and storage. These findings provide valuable baseline data that can inform the implementation of stricter conservation efforts aimed at preserving and safeguarding this critical ecosystem. The study further highlights the importance of these mangrove forests in carbon sequestration and emphasizes the need for their protection to maintain their ecosystem services.

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