Carbon storage potential of mangrove forest in Guyana

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 with the objective 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 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 release from various sources within Guyana. The total forest coverage of Guyana is 18570000 ha containing over 5 gigatonnes of CO2 in aboveground biomass. Mangrove total coverage in Guyana is 22632.4 ha and locked 0.09gt estimated aboveground carbon which is equivalent to 0.257 gigatonnes of CO2. This is significant taking into consideration the low stature, coverage, and density of mangroves. The phenomenon of global warming has of recent has 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 the understanding of the carbon stored in the mangrove forest and its relevance to carbon dioxide trapping in the standing forest. Such relationship establishes the between holistic approach to mangrove restoration and climate change prevention strategy for Guyana.