Mangrove carbon stocks in Pongara National Park, Gabon

Mangroves are recognized for their valued ecosystem services to coastal areas, and the functional linkages between those carbon stocks have been established. However, spatially explicit inventories necessary facilitate management protection of mangroves, as well providing a foundation payment service programs such REDD+. We conducted an inventory in mangroves within Pongara National Park (PNP), Gabon using stratified random sampling design based on forest canopy height derived from TanDEM-X remote sensing data. Ecosystem pools, including aboveground belowground biomass necromass, soil depth 2 m were assessed measurements samples plots distributed among three classes park. There two mangrove species area PNP, Rhizophora racemosa R. harrisonii. harrisonii was predominant sparse, low-stature stands that dominated west side In east park, both occurred tall-stature stands, with tree often exceeding 30 m. Canopy effective means stratify area, significantly different classes. Despite differences biomass, density not Soils main component stock, accounting over 84% total. The ranged 644 943 Mg C ha?1 stock PNP is estimated be 40,588 Gg C. combination pre-inventory information about stand conditions spatial distribution assessment obtained data decision support system fundamental implementing this relatively large-scale field inventory. This work exemplifies how can quantified augment national reporting statistics, provide baseline projects involving monitoring, verification (i.e., MRV), composition structure sustainable conservation practices.