Sub-Saharan Africa
Refining the Global Estimate of Mangrove Carbon Burial Rates Using Sedimentary and Geomorphic SettingsBackgroundPrevious research has focused on calculating accurate estimates of global mangrove carbon stock, while lacking studies examining global patterns of organic carbon (OC) burial. Mangrove forests are naturally highly variable, existing in different sedimentary (i.e., terrigenous- or carbonate-dominant) and geomorphic (i.e., delta, estuary, lagoon, open coast) environments. In addition, different anthropogenic factors affect their structure. Therefore, it is necessary to examine how the spatial variability of mangrove sedimentary and geomorphic settings affects global OC burial estimates. Open access copy available |
Factors influencing organic carbon accumulation in mangrove ecosystemsBackgroundMangrove forest sediments can store a significant amount of organic carbon (900 Mg ha-1). Environmental and anthropogenic impacts, like storms or deforestation, can increase or decrease carbon accumulation rates within mangrove sediments and ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to understand how these impacts affect blue carbon ecosystems’ storage capacity. 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 |
Drivers of global mangrove loss and gain in social-ecological systemsBackgroundThe gain and loss of mangrove forests worldwide depends on both biophysical factors and socioeconomic factors. With global mangrove cover decreasing since the 1990s and biophysical pressures on mangrove forests (i.e., shoreline erosion, extreme weather events) increasing due to climate change, it is important to understand which forms of national conservation policies, programs, governance, and local economic activity most rapidly reverse the rate of loss of mangrove forests. Open access copy available |
Current trends and future directions for integrating social values into mangrove restorationBackgroundDifferent communication styles, governance, and social issues create barriers to successful mangrove forest restoration projects, and may hinder the ability to scale up projects to meet global restoration goals. Incorporating social values and stakeholder preferences into restoration projects can help identify best management practices, promote successful outcomes, and prevent distrust and inequality between restoration practitioners and stakeholders with different needs and perceptions of mangrove forests. Open access copy available |
Tree species that ‘live slow, die older’ enhance tropical peat swamp restoration: Evidence from a systematic reviewBackgroundHighly degraded forests often require active reforestation, which presents additional challenges with species selection for tree plantings. In tropical peat swamp forests, where harsh environmental conditions threaten seedling survival, various seedling and site treatments can enhance seedling survival and growth in restoration projects. 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 |
How to Achieve Effective Participation of Communities in the Monitoring of REDD+ Projects: A Case Study in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)BACKGROUND:The Miombo woodlands of southern Africa represent one of the region's most extensive dry forest ecosystems, spanning several countries and supporting the livelihoods of over 100 million people. These woodlands have undergone significant environmental degradation over recent decades, primarily driven by shifting cultivation, charcoal production, and unsustainable land-use practices. Given their ecological importance and critical role in rural livelihoods, particularly among low-income people, understanding and promoting sustainable management of Miombo woodlands is essential for both environmental conservation and socioeconomic development. Open access copy available |
Seed dispersal strategies and the threat of defaunation in a Congo forestBackgroundSeed dispersal plays a critical role in shaping plant communities and maintaining biodiversity in tropical forests. In the Congo Basin, most tree species depend on animals (zoochory) to disperse their seeds, with large vertebrates such as forest elephants and bonobos serving as key dispersers. However, hunting and poaching threaten these animals, potentially triggering cascading effects on forest structure and plant regeneration. This study investigates the extent of animal-mediated seed dispersal in the LuiKotale forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and evaluates how hunting pressure on frugivores may influence tree community composition. Available with subscription or purchase |
How much deforestation in sub-Saharan Africa has been caused by mining?BACKGROUND:Sub-Saharan Africa has become a major mining hub due to its vast mineral resources, which has led to significant economic growth and investment in the region since the early 2000s. However, the expansion of mining activities, especially post-2000, has raised concerns about their environmental impact, particularly in terms of deforestation and habitat disruption. The paper aims to assess the extent of deforestation caused by mining activities in Sub-Saharan Africa, employing geospatial and statistical analysis to compare areas with and without mining operations. Open access copy available |
