Biomass and Carbon Stock Mapping of the Bued Mangrove Forest in Alaminos, Pangasinan using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Daquigan, Madonna C.

The Philippines is recognized for its mangrove-rich ecosystems which play a significant role in promoting biodiversity by serving as habitat for marine organisms and in mitigating climate impacts by serving as sinks of atmospheric carbon. This study assesses the diversity, biomass and carbon stock of the Bued Mangrove Forest Park in Alaminos, Pangasinan using non-destructive methods namely, the quadrat sampling technique to facilitate inventory and measurement of trees combined with Geographical Information System (GIS) and remote sensing applications. The Shannon-Wiener index, allometric, and sediment carbon equations were used to determine species diversity, biomass and carbon storage, respectively mangrove species on both reforested and old stands. Empirical modelling through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used to obtain an estimation model of biomass and carbon stocks of the areas. The mean species diversity of the area had a very low diversity index value with h + 1.67015 (old mangrove stands: H = 0.32401; reforested stands: H + 1.3614). Among the species, the carbon stocks of Avicenna marina, Sonneratia alba and Rhizophora apiculate had the highest total values of 16.06 t C, 14.81 t C, and 11.30 t C, respectively. The total sediment carbon obtained among plots was 568.20 t with a mean value of 43.71 t ha. The estimation of carbon stocks using NDVI yielded a mean value of 262.02 t C ha and a total of 137.036.99 t C. Generally, the total carbon, pooling what is in the mangroves and sediments, in the 5.49-hectare forest is estimated to be about 1 337,605.19 t C which is equivalent to 504,552.37 t CO2. This indicates that the area has the potential to sequester and store substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon and can serve as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). Therefore, this study provides an empirical basis, and highlights the need for the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of this mangrove ecosystem through programs and the implementation of policies within region.