Land Use
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 |
Decreasing landscape carbon storage in western US forests with 2 °C of warmingBackgroundThis study investigates how a 2°C increase in global mean temperature above pre-industrial levels could alter above-ground carbon storage in forests across the western United States, a region already experiencing climate-driven tree mortality, reduced regeneration, and more frequent fire and insect outbreaks. Forest carbon density is treated as a “carbon carrying capacity” controlled by climate and disturbance regimes, and there is concern that warming and drying will shift many areas towards lower carbon forest or non-forest states, with implications for climate mitigation and carbon offset projects. 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 |
Remote sensing-based mangrove blue carbon assessment in the Asia-Pacific: A systematic reviewBackgroundAvailable with subscription or purchase |
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 |
Public Perceptions of Mangrove Forests Matter for Their ConservationBackgroundOpen access copy available |
Bridging conservation and policy: evaluating national targets to reduce mangrove loss under the Kunming–Montreal biodiversity frameworkBackgroundThis research examines the alignment between the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets and national efforts to halt mangrove loss. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, GBF’s Targets 1 and 3 aim to reduce habitat loss and expand protected areas to conserve 30% of critical ecosystems by 2030. Mangroves, vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and coastal protection, continue to experience degradation due to both human and natural drivers. Despite partial success in global mangrove protection, national policies often fail to address underlying drivers of degradation or incorporate specific, measurable conservation actions. Open access copy available |
