Blue Carbon in Focus: Mangroves Potential in Climate Change Mitigation

Hidden along the tropical coastlines of the world, mangroves are nature's treasure troves, guarding secrets with the power to tackle climate change. These ecosystems are not just nature's marvels but also silent heroes, working to protect the environment and empower local communities.

In this article, we’ll approach the profound significance of mangroves and their important role in the world of Blue Carbon. We'll explore how these coastal wonders mitigate climate change and safeguard our planet's future.

Mangroves

Mangroves are a diverse group of plant species thriving in tropical regions worldwide. What makes them especially intriguing is that they are not just a singular plant but a community of vegetation. Approximately 16% of mangrove species are considered to be of conservation concern, underscoring their ecological importance.

These ecosystems are scattered throughout the tropics and are celebrated for their remarkable capacity for high carbon sequestration and storage. When we say mangroves are an "important habitat," it's an understatement. They serve as a buffer zone between land and sea, offering refuge to numerous wildlife species and safeguarding coastal areas from erosion and extreme weather.

For a deeper dive into this subject, you can consult the "State of the World's Mangroves 2022" report by the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Mangrove Watch.

Carbon in Mangrove Ecosystems

Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon storage. While the above-ground biomass in these ecosystems can vary significantly, it's essential to note that 80% of carbon storage occurs in the soils, where an astonishing 1000 Mg C/ha can be found. Unfortunately, conversion of mangrove areas for various purposes often results in losses exceeding 50%.

Additionally, degradation and pollution can reduce primary productivity and storage. To mitigate these challenges, restoring hydrology is often required, as it helps maintain the unique conditions necessary for mangrove growth.

Sahu, SUDAM & Kumar, Manish & Ravindranath, N.H.. (2016). Carbon Stocks in Natural and Planted Mangrove forests of Mahanadi Mangrove Wetland, East Coast of India. Current Science. 110. 2253-2260. 10.18520/cs/v110/i12/2253-2260.

Mangrove Projects

Conservation and restoration efforts for mangroves come in several forms, including:

1. Reforestation and Afforestation: These are long-term efforts, with natural regeneration taking around 15-20 years to happen. In some areas, these methods may not be appropriate.

2. Protection/Conservation: Over the late 20th century, deforestation occurred at a rate of 1% per year, but these numbers have decreased significantly. Protection measures deliver higher carbon benefits, often referred to as "Irrecoverable carbon," and offer numerous co-benefits for local communities and the environment.

Projects like Plan Vivo and Verra are instrumental in facilitating and certifying these activities, ensuring their efficacy and alignment with sustainable practices.

Benefits of Mangrove Projects

Mangrove projects are not just about preserving a unique ecosystem. They offer a range of benefits that are crucial for both local communities and the planet, including:

• Mitigation and Adaptation: Mangroves act as a barrier against extreme weather events and sea-level rise, providing coastal protection. This helps in both mitigating climate change impacts and adapting to them.

• Erosion Control: Their intricate root systems stabilize coastlines, reducing erosion and safeguarding nearby land.

• Biodiversity: Mangroves are hotspots for biodiversity, providing a habitat for a variety of species, including birds, fish, and other wildlife. Their role in coral protection is also invaluable.

• Livelihoods and Tourism: Mangroves contribute to the local economy by improving fish catch, providing recreational opportunities, and boosting tourism.

• Water Quality: Mangroves filter and purify water, making it suitable for various uses, from drinking to irrigation. This is achieved through a process known as 'Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration.'

Drivers of Mangrove Losses

Understanding the causes of mangrove loss is essential for effective conservation. The primary drivers of mangrove losses include:

1. Conversion to Commodities: Mangrove areas are often cleared for aquaculture, including fish and shrimp farming, as well as for timber.

2. Coastal Development: The construction of houses, hotels, roads, and other infrastructure encroaches on mangrove habitats, leading to their loss.

3. Climate and Erosion: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant threat to mangroves.

State of the Worlds Mangroves Report
https://www.nature.org/content/dam/tnc/nature/en/documents/state_of_word_mangroves.pdf

Orbify Mangroves Assessment Template

Orbify has developed a specialized template for assessing mangrove ecosystems. This innovative tool allows researchers, conservationists, and decision-makers to comprehensively evaluate the health and extent of mangroves in a given area.

It offers a suite of tools specifically tailored to monitor and protect mangrove ecosystems:

• Orbify Mangrove Monitoring Tool (2018-2023): This tool provides annual updates on mangrove ecosystems, allowing for real-time monitoring of changes in mangrove extent and health.

• Historical Mangrove Extent (Global Mangrove Watch 2017-2020): This tool offers a detailed look at past mangrove extent, helping to track changes over time.

• Restorable Area: Identifying areas suitable for restoration efforts is crucial for effective conservation. Orbify's tools help pinpoint where such efforts will be most impactful.

• Above Ground Biomass: Accurate measurements of above-ground biomass are crucial for assessing carbon storage and the health of mangrove ecosystems.

In addition to the above tools, Orbify provides various indicators for monitoring mangrove ecosystems:

• Vegetation Health Indicators: Monitoring tools like EVI/NDVI anomalies help assess the overall health of mangrove vegetation.

• Water Quality Indicators: Indicators like the Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI) and sea surface temperature help track the quality of water in and around mangrove areas.

• Biodiversity: Forest Intactness Index, Biodiversity Intactness Index, and Habitat Type indicators offer insights into the ecological richness of mangrove areas.

Conclusion

These unique ecosystems, often overshadowed by more glamorous counterparts, play an important role in the battle against climate change and provide invaluable services to both nature and communities.

As we've explored in this article, the intricate web of life within mangroves, their capacity for carbon storage, and the numerous benefits they bestow upon us make them treasures worth preserving. Mangroves offer coastal protection, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to local economies through activities like fishing and tourism.