Costa Rica
Global Significance of Mangrove Blue Carbon in Climate Change MitigationBackgroundMangrove forests sequester proportionately greater amounts of carbon than most terrestrial environments. However, natural greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes from these ecosystems and the carbon released when they are degraded counteract their carbon sequestration potential. Therefore, it is necessary to examine carbon stocks, rates of carbon sequestration, and carbon losses from these environments to clarify the global and regional potential of mangrove forests to mitigate climate change. Open access copy available |
Global potential and limits of mangrove blue carbon for climate change mitigationBackgroundDespite national and international policy organizations’ interest in blue carbon financing for mangrove conservation, there is a lack of investment in payments for ecosystem services from the commercial sector. To encourage future investments and scale up blue carbon projects, it is necessary to address knowledge gaps on the financial return on investment for blue carbon projects. Open access copy available |
Getting the best of carbon bang for mangrove restoration buckBackgroundMangrove forest restoration projects have a range of benefits, like carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development, that are important for different stakeholders. An analysis of the economic benefits and returns of mangrove restoration at country-level scales can encourage future support from these key investors and decision makers. Open access copy available |
The status of forest carbon markets in Latin AmericaBackground:Latin America (LATAM) hosts some of the world’s largest tropical forests, which provide significant carbon sequestration and a major share of global forest carbon credits. Despite these benefits, deforestation and forest degradation remain critical issues. Forest carbon markets, both compliance and voluntary, have emerged as key mechanisms to finance conservation, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience. Open access copy available |
Herbaceous plant diversity in forest ecosystems: patterns, mechanisms, and threatsBACKGROUND:Recent studies have expanded our ecological understanding by focusing on forest herbs, highlighting that while trees dominate ecological theory, they represent only a small fraction of forest plant diversity. Forests showcase varying plant diversity due to human activities like land-use changes, invasive species, climate change, and overabundant herbivores, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. By understanding the complex interplay of these factors, the research aims to promote effective long-term conservation and sustainability of herbaceous plant communities in these environments. Available with subscription or purchase |
Soil organic carbon pool under native tree plantations in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa RicaBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Nitrogen Fixing Trees for Animal Production on Acid SoilsBackgroundNitrogen-fixing trees play a crucial role in improving pasture and livestock systems on acid soils, which are prevalent in tropical regions. Acid soils often challenge agricultural productivity due to low fertility and high aluminum toxicity. Nitrogen-fixing trees, such as Erythrina poeppigiana, Cratylia argentea, and Alnus acuminata, enhance soil chemistry and fertility by adding nitrogen through organic matter and improving physical soil properties like porosity and bulk density. They are integrated into silvopastoral systems, where trees and shrubs coexist with pastures, offering multiple benefits such as soil stabilization, increased forage quality, and diversified farm outputs. Open access copy available |
Biodiversity conservation in Costa Rica: a correspondence analysis between identifi ed biodiversity hotspots (Araceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Scarabaeinae) and conservation priority life zonesBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Restauración ecológica de bosques tropicales en Costa Rica: efecto de varios modelos en la producción, acumulación y descomposición de hojarascaBackgroundLa deforestación ha generado la necesidad de recuperar los ciclos de nutrientes y la biodiversidad en áreas degradadas. La investigación comparó tres enfoques de restauración: plantación, islas de árboles y regeneración natural, junto con bosques secundarios jóvenes, para evaluar su eficacia en la restauración de ecosistemas. Deforestation has emphasized the need to recover nutrient cycles and biodiversity in degraded areas. The research compared three strategies—plantation, tree islands, and natural regeneration—alongside young secondary forests to assess their effectiveness in ecosystem restoration. Open access copy available |
Caracterización estructural y florística de un bosque secundario enriquecido de 15 años en la Región Tropical Húmeda de Costa RicaBackgroundEl estudio evalúa un bosque secundario enriquecido de 15 años en Costa Rica, originado en un pastizal abandonado. Los bosques secundarios son ecosistemas formados tras la eliminación de la cobertura primaria y tienen potencial económico, ambiental y de conservación de biodiversidad. Este caso analiza cómo la regeneración natural combinada con enriquecimiento puede mejorar su estructura y composición. Available with subscription or purchase |
