A comprehensive 40-year study has quantified the carbon storage capabilities of planted mangroves, showing they can achieve up to 73 percent of the carbon stocks found in naturally occurring mangrove forests. The findings, published in Science Advances, stem from an analysis of 684 planted mangrove stands across the globe.
3 to 5 Times More Absorption Per Acre Than Mature Tropical Forests
Mangrove forests, thanks to their dark green canopies and intricate root systems, thrive along coastlines from Indonesia to South Florida. These ecosystems are known for being resilient against saltwater and severe storms, and for their vital role in supporting marine life and sequestering significant amounts of carbon—up to five times more per acre than mature tropical forests.
However, the efficiency of human-planted mangroves in carbon storage versus their natural counterparts has remained uncertain. This new study provides much-needed clarity, demonstrating that within 20 years, planted mangroves can reach approximately 73 percent of the carbon storage levels of natural stands.
Unlike previous studies, which have typically focused on individual sites, this research encompassed extensive global data collection, making the findings even more compelling.
Research ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Wetland and Aquatic Research Center and one of the study’s authors, Ken Krauss, highlighted the extensive global data collection as a key strength of the research. Previous studies have typically focused on individual sites rather than a worldwide spectrum.
35% of Global Mangroves Lost in Past 50 Years
This research is especially timely given that approximately 35 percent of the world’s mangroves have been lost over the past 50 years due to land disturbance, severe weather events, and erosion. Mangrove ecosystems are needed to act as natural barriers against storms and help stabilize soil and sand to prevent erosion. Not only that, they have high potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
One thing to note from the study is that the location and planting conditions do not have a significant impact on carbon storage outcomes meaning that mangroves can be planted globally and still have a positive contribution.
High Failure Rate
Although the results are promising, the researchers emphasized the importance of proper restoration techniques. Many mangrove restoration efforts fail, yielding no carbon storage benefits. Successful efforts, however, can achieve up to 75 percent of the carbon stocks found in natural forests.
Another thing to bear in mind is the importance of protecting existing mangroves. These mangroves hold even more carbon than newly planted ones.
For the future, the researchers have highlighted new areas to explore including the impact of different types of disturbances on carbon storage.
This study also demonstrates that building mangroves can be an effective part of an ESG strategy for companies.
Originally published here
