Carbon storage potential of mangrove forest in Guyana

Abstract

Abstract. Jaikishun S, Ansari AA, DaSilva P, Hosen A. 2017. Carbon storage potential of mangrove forest in Guyana. Bonorowo Wetlands 7: 43-54. This research was carried out to estimate carbon storage in the three protected species at study sites located in Berbice (Regions 5 and 6), Demerara (Regions 3 and 4), and Essequibo (Regions 1 and 2), Guyana during the period 2014-16. The research focused on quantification of aboveground biomass and the respective carbon storage of mangroves species in Guyana, determination of the amount of carbon stored in the mangrove soil, prediction of the future carbon storage capacity in mangrove species, and justification on the importance of conservation and restoration of mangrove forests towards climate mitigation in Guyana. The results from all the regions of Guyana indicate that the two species (R. mangle and A. germinans) have greater aboveground carbon stock capacity (481 Mg/ha), which can absorb carbon dioxide released from various sources within Guyana. The total forest coverage of Guyana is 18.570.000 ha containing over 5 gigatonnes of CO₂ in aboveground biomass. Mangrove total coverage in Guyana is 22632.4 ha and locked 0.09gt estimated above-ground carbon, equivalent to 0.257 gigatonnes of CO₂. This is significant, considering the low stature, coverage, and density of mangroves. The phenomenon of global warming has recently generated interest in understanding the carbon stock capacity of mangrove species. The results of this study support mangrove reforestation and afforestation in the coastal zones of Guyana. The present study led to understanding the carbon stored in the mangrove forest and its relevance to carbon dioxide trapping in the standing forest. Such a relationship establishes the holistic approach to mangrove restoration and climate change prevention strategy for Guyana.