Estimation of Potential Carbon Stocks in Mangrove Ecosystems in the Riau Islands

Abstract

Global warming is characterized by high concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions, namely CO2, in the atmosphere. Mangrove ecosystems play a role in mitigating global climate change because they can absorb carbon through photosynthesis and then store it in a carbon pool, which includes Above Ground Biomass (AGB), Below Ground Biomass (BGB), litter or dead wood, and sediment. This study aimed to determine the value of biomass, carbon stocks, and CO2 sequestration in the mangrove ecosystem in the Riau Island. Carbon stocks were estimated by collecting data on AGB, BGB, and dead wood using the non-destructive allometric modeling method, and sediment sampling was carried out at 30 cm intervals until the discovery of humus soil. There are eight research stations spread across Riau Island. The results of the biomass calculation are then converted into carbon stock values and CO2 sequestration. The result showed that the mangrove ecosystem in Riau Island had a biomass value of 1854,54 tons/ha, estimated carbon stocks of 2052,78 tonsC/ha, and a CO2 sequestration of 7527,52 tonsC/ha. The mangrove ecosystem in Riau Island has an area of 79.228,91 Ha so it can store carbon reserves of 162.639.342 tonsC. The amount of CO2 can be minimized or controlled by reducing emissions and conserving forests, namely by improving mangrove management according to the function of mangrove forests.