Pak. J. Bot., 46(6): 1955-1962, 2014.

SPECIES DIVERSITY, BIOMASS, AND CARBON STOCK ASSESSMENTS OF A

NATURAL MANGROVE FOREST IN PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

AZYLEAH C. ABINO1,2, JOSE ALAN A. CASTILLO3, YOUNG JIN LEE1*

1
Department of Forest Resources, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungnam, 340-802, South Korea
2
Laguna Lake Development Authority, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101, Philippines
3
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, College, Los Baños, Laguna, 4031, Philippines
*Corresponding author’s e-mail: leeyj@[Link]; Phone: +82-41-330-1313 Fax: +82-41-330-1308

Abstract

Philippines claims international recognition for its mangrove-rich ecosystem which play significant functions from the
viewpoint of ecosystem services and climate change mitigation. In this study, we assessed the species diversity of the natural
mangrove forest of Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and evaluated its potential to sequester and store carbon. Sixteen
plots with a size of 10 m × 10 m were established using quadrat sampling technique to identify, record, and measure the
trees. Diversity index and allometric equations were utilized to determine species diversity, and biomass and carbon stocks.
Sediment samples in undisturbed portions using a 30 cm high and 5 cm diameter corer were collected in all plots to
determine near-surface sediment carbon. The diversity index (H' = 0.9918) was very low having a total of five true
mangrove species identified dominated by Rhizophora apiculata Bl. with an importance value index of 148.1%. Among the
stands, 74% of the total biomass was attributed to the above-ground (561.2 t ha-1) while 26% was credited to the roots (196.5
t ha-1). The total carbon sequestered and stored in the above-ground and root biomass were 263.8 t C ha-1 (50%) and 92.3 t C
ha-1 (17%), respectively. Sediments contained 33% (173.75 t C ha-1) of the mangrove C-stocks. Stored carbon was
equivalent to 1944.5 t CO2 ha-1. These values suggest that Bahile natural mangrove forest has a potential to sequester and
store substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon, hence the need for sustainable management and protection of this
important coastal ecosystem.

Key words: Allometric equation; Carbon stock; Diversity index; Rhizophora apiculata; Sediment organic carbon.

Introduction Latiff, 2012), aside from serving as natural breakwaters,

dissipating the energy of the waves and tsunamis and
Forests are known as standing stores of sequestered protection from cyclonic storms (Alongi, 2008; Polidoro
atmospheric carbon. Given the increased importance of a et al., 2010).
forest ecosystem as valuable carbon pool, it draws Despite their strategic importance, mangroves are
significant attention as the global community becomes among the most threatened and rapidly disappearing
progressively more concerned about climate change. Of natural environments in the world. The Food and
these ecosystems, the roles of mangrove forests to Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported in 2007 that
sequester substantial amounts of atmospheric carbon global mangrove coverage had declined from 18.8 million
dioxide (CO2) and store carbon in its biomass and ha in 1980 to 15.2 million ha by the end of 2005,
sediments have been recently underscored (Murdiyarso et corresponding to approximately 20% of the mangrove
al., 2009; Chen et al., 2012; Kauffman & Donato, 2012). existing worldwide in 1980. This component of wetlands
Moreover, the economic significance of mangroves as is under constant flux attributed to immense pressure from
efficient blue carbon sink is also becoming popular unsustainable anthropogenic activities and their
(Nellemann et al., 2009; Lawrence, 2012). While vulnerability to the impacts of climate change such as sea-
mangroves cover only around 0.7% (approximately level rise (Anon., 2007; Giri et al., 2011). In the
140000 km2) of global tropical forests (Giri et al., 2011), Philippines, the total area of mangroves has decreased by
they store up to 20 billion t C which is a little more than almost half, from 400000-500000 ha recorded several
twice the annual global CO2 emission and far exceeds the decades ago (Brown & Fischer, 1920; Primavera, 2000) to
mean carbon stock (C-stock) in tropical upland, the current estimate of 259600 ha (Siikamaki et al., 2012).
temperate, and boreal forests (Donato et al., 2011). Vast areas of mangroves in this country have been
In terms of floral and faunal regimes, mangrove subjected to natural and human-induced degradations
forests are among the most productive and biologically specifically conversion to fish and shrimp ponds
complex ecosystems. The Philippine mangroves alone (Lawrence, 2012). This ecosystem is made up of carbon-
harbour at least 42 species of trees belonging to 18 based life forms in plant biomass and soil through litter
families out of around 70 true mangrove species in the fall. Hence, the loss of mangrove cover predicates the
world (Polidoro et al., 2010; Samson & Rollon, 2011). tremendous reduction in forest biomass augmenting the
The country also claims international recognition being concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
ranked 16th among the most mangrove-rich countries with The province of Palawan contains around 22% of the
an area of 259600 ha representing 1.9% of the global total mangrove cover of the Philippines (Anon., 2011).
mangrove (Siikamaki et al., 2012). Nutrients, heavy The province capital, Puerto Princesa, is a city in the
metals and sediments that find their way from the uplands country where the total area of mangrove forests does not
down to the estuaries through the tributaries are absorbed decline, but is increasing due to the sustained
by these mangroves (Ellison, 2008; Khattak et al., 2012; commitment on coastal reforestation and afforestation of
1956 AZYLEAH C. ABINO ET AL.,

the community. Lasco and Pulhin (2004) reported that the The sediments were sampled for bulk density (BD)
estimated mean biomass of mangrove forests in the and organic matter (OM) content determination. Soil
Philippines is around 409 t ha-1 with a corresponding samples were randomly collected within each plot in
stored carbon of 184 t C ha-1. Consequently, a huge undisturbed portions using a 30 cm high and 5 cm
percentage of the total carbon sequestered and stored in diameter corer, with the aim of determining the near-
the biomass and sediment of the mangroves are attributed surface sediment carbon storage. The core samples were
to the stands located in the province of Palawan. stored separately in labeled and sealed plastic bags for
Most of the studies on carbon storage and fresh weight determination, drying, and BD and OM
sequestration conducted in the Philippines center on content analysis.
terrestrial vegetation like second-growth forests, plantation
forests, and agroforestry. There is, however, lack of Data analysis: The importance value index (IVI) which
information on carbon sequestration and storage of indicates the structural importance of each species in the
Philippine coastal vegetation in general and mangrove community was obtained by adding the percentage values
forest in particular. Therefore, this study aims to assess of relative frequency (RF), relative dominance (RDom)
species diversity as well as to estimate above-ground and and relative density (RD), where:
root biomass, and C-stocks in one of the coastal zones in
Philippine archipelago with the largest remaining natural Number of occurrence of the species
RF = × 100
mangrove stands, particularly the province of Palawan. Number of occurrence of all the species (1)
Materials and Methods
Total basal area of the species
RDom = × 100
Study site: This study was carried out in the natural Total basal area of all the species (2)
mangrove stand situated in the coast of Bahile Village
(10°3'3"N 118°43'2"E) which is located 77 km north of
Number of individual of the species
the geographical center of the 450 km-long island of RD = × 100
Palawan, the main land mass of the westernmost Number of individual of all the species (3)
province of the Philippines (Fig. 1). This site was
selected based on accessibility and safety in going to and Diversity index, determined in this study using the
from the natural mangrove stands. The natural mangrove Shannon-Wiener’s Index (Shannon & Weaver, 1963),
formation is dominated by Rhizophora apiculata Bl. in indicates a quantitative description of mangrove habitat in
association with Rhizophora mucronata Lamk. and terms of species distribution and evenness. This species
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lamk.. Lumnitzera littorea diversity index was used in several studies (Gevaña &
(Jack) Voigt. and Xylocarpus granatum Koen. were Pampolina, 2009; Sharma et al., 2010; Lumbres et al.,
rarely observed in the mangrove stand. 2012) and was calculated using the following form:
On the basis of the Puerto Princesa City profile
(2012), the west coast which encompasses the Bahile
Village has equal lengths of dry and rainy seasons. Dry
H '= − ∑ p lnp
i i (4)
season starts in November and ends until April while the
rainy months begin in May and lasts in October. The p
where H ' is the diversity index, i is the proportion of ith
highest amount of rainfall is observed during September species individuals to total species individuals, and ln is
while February is the most dry. The mean annual natural logarithm.
precipitation (MAP) is 1148 mm while the mean annual
temperature (MAT) is 29°C. The soil formations in To measure the carbon stored in the mangrove
Bahile village are mostly alluvial which is characterized ecosystems, two pools of carbon were considered: the
by high fertility. carbon present in the biomass (above-ground and roots)
and the carbon stored in the sediment. Estimates of above-
Data collection: Sixteen plots of size 10 × 10m were ground biomass (Wtop) and root biomass (WR) were
established through a nondestructive quadrat sampling calculated using the allometric equations for mangroves
technique to determine the species composition and developed by Komiyama et al. (2005) for Southeast Asian
structure in the study area. The plots were laid with 20 to mangroves. The maximum diameter of trees included in
30 m distance in between depending on vegetation the derivation of these equations was 49 cm with a total
characteristics and landscape. Inside each plot, all trees number of 104 trees. These allometric equations which
with at least 5 cm in diameter were identified, and use diameter and wood density as predictive variables
measured the trunk diameters (cm) and total height (m). have a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.979 and
We measured the trunk diameters at 30 cm above the 0.954, respectively, and are comparably reliable with
highest prop root for Rhizophora species, 30 cm above the allometric equations derived for natural stands (Chave et
buttress for big Bruguiera species, whereas the rest were al., 2005; Hossain et al., 2008; Kauffman & Cole, 2010).
measured at DBH (130 cm above ground). Branch bark The following common allometric equations were used:
and stem (6-8 cm diameter, 10-20 cm long) samples of
the three dominant mangrove species in the study site Wtop = 0.251 ρD 2.46
were taken to the laboratory for carbon content analysis. (5)
PHILIPPINES MANGROVE CARBON STOCK ASSESSMENT 1957

Fig. 1. Location map of the study site in Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.

WR = 0.199 ρ 0.899 D 2.22 through analysis of stem and branch bark samples of the
(6) three dominant mangrove species. Samples were oven
dried at 105°C until constant weights were attained
where Wtop is the above-ground biomass (kg); WR is the (within 48 hours). Carbon contents of the oven dried
root biomass (kg); ρ is the wood density of the species; samples (10-20 g) were analyzed via the automated
and D is the diameter at breast height. The values of total carbon analysis-mass spectrometry continuous flow
biomass (above-ground and root) per plot was summed technique at the International Rice Research Institute
for all plots and averaged to get the mean stand biomass (IRRI) Analytical Services Laboratory, and resulted to an
which was then converted to tons per hectare. Carbon average of 47% carbon fraction.
pools of the above-ground and root components were For near-surface sediment carbon determination,
calculated as the product of biomass multiplied by the sediment cores were brought to the laboratory for fresh
carbon concentration. The carbon fraction was determined weight determination. Samples were placed in an oven at
1958 AZYLEAH C. ABINO ET AL.,

105°C and dried until constant weights were attained Results and Discussion
(within 48 hours). BD was calculated as the ratio between
the dry weight of the core sample divided by the volume Species diversity: A total of 146 sample trees
of the sample. BD of the soil and height of corer were representing five true mangrove species, namely: R.
used to compute the soil mass per hectare. To determine apiculata, R. mucronata, B. gymnorrhiza, L. littorea and
the soil OM content, sediment samples were analyzed X. granatum, belonging to three families were recorded at
following the methods of Walkley & Black (1934). Soil the natural mangrove stand of Bahile (Table 1). True
organic carbon was calculated as the OM concentration mangrove species are those that are exclusively restricted
(percentage) divided by 1.724 (Van Bemmelen factor), to tropical intertidal habitats and do not extend into
based on the assumption that the soil OM contains about terrestrial plant community and are morphologically,
58% organic carbon (Perie & Ouimet, 2008; Hossain et physiologically and reproductively adapted to saline,
al., 2012). The BD, soil mass and soil/sediment carbon waterlogged and anaerobic condition (Anon., 2007;
per hectare were determined using the following forms
Polidoro et al., 2010). The DBH of the mangroves
(Gevaña & Pampolina, 2009):
ranging from 5.5 cm to 48.5 cm, total height varying
Dry weight of core (g) between 4.0 m and 25.0 m, with average of 19.9 cm and
BD (g cm -3
) =
Volume of cylinder (cm 3 ) (7) 9.9 m. B. gymnorrhiza registered the largest girth while R.
mucronata was the tallest. The average density of
Sediment mass per ha at specified depth (t ha -1 ) = mangroves in the study site was 913 trees ha-1.
Among the species recorded in the mangrove stand,
BD at specified depth (g cm -3 ) ∗ 10,000 m 2 ∗ depth (m) (8) R. apiculata was found dominating the mangrove forest
with an IVI of 148.1%; 93 individuals of this species
Sediment C per ha at specified depth (t C ha -1 ) =
occurred in 15 plots (Table 2). It was followed by R.
Soil mass at specified depth (t ha -1 ) ∗ % organic C at specified depth /100 (9) mucronata (80.3%) and B. gymnorrhiza (56.0%). All
species with the highest importance values belonged to
The total sediment carbon pool was determined by the family Rhizophoraceae. The importance value of a
summing the carbon mass per plot and averaged to get the species was determined based on the total contribution
mean sediment C-stock of the stand. The total C-stock
that a species made to the community in relation to the
was estimated by adding the biomass and sediment C-
number of plants within the quadrats (relative
stocks. The ratio of molecular weight of CO2 to carbon
abundance), its influence on the other species through its
was utilized in the conversion of biomass and sediment C-
stocks to their CO2 equivalent. According to Kauffman & competition, shading, or aggressiveness (relative
Donato (2012), greenhouse gas inventories and emissions dominance), and its contribution to the community by
are often reported in units of CO2 equivalents since it is means of distribution (relative frequency) in a study plot
the most common greenhouse gas form of carbon. (Faridah-Hanum et al., 2012).

Table 1. Species composition and stand structure of the natural mangrove forest in Bahile,
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
No. of DBH (cm) Height (m)
Plot Species
trees Mean Min. Max. SD Mean Min. Max. SD
1. 2 Rm 39.5 38.8 40.3 - 24.0 23.0 25.0 -
2. 6 Rm, Ra 31.7 25.0 38.0 5.4 18.7 17.0 22.0 1.9
3. 5 Ra, Rm 19.9 15.0 24.3 3.7 11.9 8.0 14.0 2.5
4. 7 Ra, Rm, Bg 32.4 10.3 48.5 15.2 14.7 6.0 20.0 5.9
5. 12 Rm, Bg, Ra 23.3 7.0 41.0 11.8 11.0 5.5 17.0 3.4
6. 8 Rm, Ra 20.3 8.0 39.0 11.8 9.9 5.0 13.0 2.7
7. 8 Ra, Rm 21.5 7.5 34.8 11.1 10.1 4.8 16.0 3.4
8. 12 Ra 16.9 11.3 26.5 4.1 5.3 4.0 7.0 0.9
9. 9 Rm, Ra, Bg 17.1 5.5 44.8 13.7 8.2 4.0 14.0 3.9
10. 8 Ra, Bg 16.8 8.0 35.0 8.5 8.6 4.5 13.0 3.0
11. 14 Ra, Xg, Bg, Ll 12.3 5.5 29.8 7.1 7.0 4.0 13.0 2.7
12. 8 Ra 22.9 21.0 26.0 1.5 10.3 9.0 11.0 0.7
13. 9 Ra, Bg 24.5 11.5 39.5 10.2 11.3 7.0 14.0 2.3
14. 17 Ra, Bg, Rm 14.9 6.4 33.6 7.1 8.8 4.5 14.0 2.5
15. 5 Bg, Rm, Ra 35.8 23.2 42.2 7.6 13.5 13.0 14.0 0.5
16. 16 Ll, Ra, Bg, Rm 11.9 5.5 39.0 9.9 7.4 4.5 14.0 3.4
Note: Rm = Rhizophora mucronata, Ra = Rhizophora apiculata, Bg = Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Xg = Xylocarpus granatum, Ll =
Lumnitzera littorea
PHILIPPINES MANGROVE CARBON STOCK ASSESSMENT 1959

Table 2. Analyses of importance value and Shannon-Weiner diversity index of the natural mangrove forest in
Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
No. of RDom
Family Species RF (%) RD (%) IVI (%) H'
individual (%)
Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora mucronata 30 28.2 31.6 20.6 80.3 0.3252
Rhizophora apiculata 93 38.5 46.0 63.7 148.1 0.2873
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza 19 23.1 19.9 13.0 56.0 0.2654
Meliaceae Xylocarpus granatum 1 2.6 0.2 0.7 3.5 0.0341
Combretaceae Lumnitzera littorea 3 7.7 2.4 2.1 12.1 0.0798
Total 146 100.0 100.0 100.0 300.0 0.9918
Note: RF = Relative Frequency, RDom = Relative Dominance, RD = Relative Density, IV = Importance Value Index, H' = Diversity index

The calculated diversity index (Shannon-Wiener's al., 2012). On the stand level, the Bahile mangrove forest
index), as shown in Table 2, was H'=0.9918 which was has a total biomass of 757.7 t ha-1 ranging from 291.0 to
considered very low based on the diversity scale used by 1578.6 t ha-1 (Fig. 2). Based on the carbon concentrations,
Gevaña & Pampolina (2009). This could be attributed to the total biomass C-stock varied from 136.8 to as high as
the dominance of few species, specifically those 741.9 t C ha-1 with a mean of 356.1 t C ha-1. This was
belonging to the family Rhizophoraceae, over other equivalent to 501.9 to 2722.9 t CO2 ha-1 with an average
species in terms of frequency, basal area (dominance), of 1306.9 t CO2 ha-1 which was sequestered and stored in
and density. Several studies coincidentally concluded that the biomass, both above-ground and roots. In detail, the
the mangroves had very low diversity indices attributed to above-ground biomass ranged from 210.6 to 1190.6 t ha-1,
their unique stands formation in contrast to other tropical with a mean of 561.2 t ha-1 and mean C-stock of 263.8 t C
forest ecosystems (Gevaña & Pampolina, 2009; Stanley & ha-1 which is equivalent to 968.0 t CO2 ha-1. The root
Lewis, 2009; Kovacs et al., 2011). biomass varied from 80.4 to 388.0 t ha-1, with an average
of 196.5 t ha-1 and mean C-stock of 92.3 t C ha-1 which is
equivalent to 338.9 t CO2 ha-1. Among the established
sample plots, huge quantities of biomass and stored
carbon were estimated in those plots with large tree girths
and high species wood density.
While extensive literatures are available on the
above-ground biomass of coastal forests (Komiyama et
al., 2008; Khan et al. 2009; Murdiyarso et al., 2009;
Chandra et al., 2011; Kauffman et al., 2011; Chen et al.,
2012; Kridiborworn et al., 2012; Kathiresan et al., 2013),
fewer studies have been conducted on below-ground
biomass including both roots and sediments (Tamooh et
al., 2008; Nguyen et al., 2009; Donato et al., 2011),
attributed to the logistical difficulties involved (Tamooh
et al., 2008) and time consuming experiments. The
biomass estimates acquired in this study is worth
comparing to the studies undertaken in different parts of
Asia and the Pacific region. The mean above-ground
biomass in this study was much higher than that of North
Sulawesi (61.4 t ha-1, Murdiyarso et al., 2009), Okinawa,
Japan (80.5 t ha-1, Khan et al., 2009), and Sarawak
Mangrove Forest in Malaysia (116.8 t ha-1, Chandra et al.
2011). The findings in the Bahile mangrove was also
relatively higher than that of Micronesian coastal fringes
of Yap (363.0 t ha-1) and Palau (225.0 t ha-1) (Kauffman et
al., 2011), and estuarine complex along the Bay of
Bengal, India (60.0-117.7 t ha-1, Kathiresan et al., 2013).
Fig. 2. Biomass, C-stocks and equivalent CO2 potential of natural
mangrove forest in Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Carbon pools of the above-ground biomass estimated by
Philippines. AGB = above-ground biomass, RB = root biomass, C- Kauffman et al. (2011) in the Micronesian mangrove
stocks = carbon stocks, CO2 Eq = carbon dioxide equivalent. forests ranged from 104.4 t C ha-1 (Palau) to 169.2 t C ha-1
(Yap) were lower than the C-stock obtained in this study
Biomass and C-stock: The trunk diameter, commonly (263.8 t C ha-1). Moreover, the above-ground C-stocks
the DBH, is used as an independent variable in estimated in Southern China (55.0 t C ha-1, Chen et al.,
determining the mangrove biomass via the use of 2012) and Thailand (140.5 4 t C ha-1, Kridiborworn et al.,
allometric equations (Kirui et al., 2006; Kridiborworn et 2012) were also lower compared to that of the present
1960 AZYLEAH C. ABINO ET AL.,

study. Comparatively, the estimated mean above-ground depth of sediment deposits and analysis of carbon content
biomass and C-stock estimated in the Bahile mangrove in different depth intervals from multiple samples per plot
was also substantial compared to the reported densities in are suggested specifically in the light of blue carbon trading
various coastal ecosystems in the Philippines such as San that gives emphasis on the sediment as vast carbon
Juan, Batangas (Gevaña & Pampolina, 2009) and reservoirs (Nellemann et al., 2009; Lawrence, 2012).
Banacon, Bohol (Camacho et al., 2011). Despite the limitation of the present study and the
The estimated mean root biomass in this study solely difficulty in comparing soil organic carbon pool of
depends on predictive variables used in the common mangrove ecosystem due to natural variations as well as
allometric equation developed by Komiyama et al. differences in sampling methodologies, the estimated mean
(2005). Although derived for Southeast Asian mangroves, sediment C-stock (173.8 t C ha-1) was close to that obtained
the size range of trunk diameters in this present study was values from same depth in the Micronesian coastal fringes
within the sample diameter range of Komiyama et al. of Palau (128.1 t C ha-1) and Yap (119.5 t C ha-1)
(2005). The findings for mean root biomass (196.5 t ha-1) (Kauffman et al., 2011). Moreover, findings of this study
and its C-stock (92.3 t C ha-1) in Bahile mangrove was were substantially higher compared to obtained values at 1
comparable to a mangrove forest in Palau (171.0 t ha-1 and m sediment depth in Okinawa, Japan (57.3 t C ha-1, Khan et
al., 2007) and Northern Vietnam (68.5 t C ha-1, Nguyen et
80.0 t C ha-1) but much lower than those obtained in Yap
al., 2009), and 20 cm depth in Southeast Australia (57.3-
(312.0 t ha-1 and 144.0 t C ha-1) (Kauffman et al., 2011).
94.2 t C ha-1, Howe et al., 2009). However, the result of
Furthermore, Bahile shows comparatively higher C-stock this study was much lower than the 822.1 t C ha-1 recorded
than mangrove plantations in Northern Vietnam (10.7 t C in North Sulawesi, Indonesia taken from an average depth
ha-1, Nguyen et al., 2009), Bohol, Philippines (69.6 t C ha- of 1.22 m (Murdiyarso et al., 2009). Based on previous
1
, Camacho et al., 2011), Southern China (21.4 t C ha-1, studies, density of carbon in the sediment decreased with
Chen et al., 2012) and Tamil Nadu, India (18.1-12.9 t C increasing soil depth (Nguyen et al., 2009) and showed
ha-1 Kathiresan et al., 2013). minimum values after 30 cm depth (Khan et al., 2007;
The above-ground and root biomass ratio (T/R Ratio) Cerón-Bretón et al., 2011). The exposure to long periods of
of the present study ranged from 2.6 to 3.1 or an average inundation that maintained the anoxic conditions in coastal
of 2.8. The result was consistent with the value given in areas slows down the decomposition of OM and accelerates
Komiyama et al., (2008) which varied from 1.1 to 4.4, carbon accumulation at 30cm depth (Nguyen et al., 2009;
although higher than that of Rhizophora stand in Bay of Cerón-Bretón et al., 2011).
Bengal, India (Kathiresan et al., 2013). According to
Komiyama et al., (2008), the mangrove forests’ T/R ratio Total C-stocks: Based on the combined mean C-stocks in
was significantly lower than upland/terrestrial forests the biomass and sediment, the natural mangrove stand in
because a large amount of biomass tended to be allocated Bahile, Puerto Princesa stored a high of 529.9 t C ha-1
in the roots system in order to maintain a bottom-heavy which was equivalent to 1944.5 t CO2 ha-1. This is a
tree form to stand upright in wet and soft mud. Khan et significant amount which must be managed well. The
al., (2009) likewise stated that T/R ratio is the typical highest percentage of C-stocks was accounted to the
basis to judge the biomass allocation pattern to the above-ground biomass (50%), followed by the sediment
underground part of a forest. In terms of biomass (35%), while the least contributor was the root biomass
allocation of Bahile mangrove forest, the estimated (15%). Apparently, the findings in this study were similar
above-ground biomass represented 74% of the total, while to the assertion of Fahey et al., (2009) that living tree
the remaining 26% was accounted for the roots. The biomass and organic matter stored in soil are the two
above-ground and root biomass differs greatly per species largest carbon pools in forest ecosystems.
but also on geographical location, plant density and Recognizing the entire natural mangrove stands of the
ecology (Komiyama et al., 2008; Chandra et al., 2011). province which covers 53678 ha (Forest Management
Bureau, 2011), we grasp its potential to sequester and store
Sediment C-stock: The carbon stored as well as the CO2 a substantial quantity of 28.4 million t C and an estimated
equivalent in the upper 30 cm depth of the sediment of the amount of 104.4 million t [Link] renowned array of
mangrove stand studied was presented in Fig. 2. The ecosystem services and ecological functions that we may
sediment C-stock in this study was estimated to range from benefit from these intertidal forests can lead to notable
89.0 to 344.3 t C ha-1 with an average of 173.8 t C ha-1. The strategies for climate change mitigation. Moreover, the
sediment of a mangrove ecosystem is an important carbon window for blue carbon trading is a significant mitigation
pool (Donato et al., 2011; Kauffman et al., 2011; Kauffman opportunity in an attempt to balance the conservation of
& Donato, 2012), as was substantiated in the present study mangrove ecosystems and sustainable livelihood for coastal
where estimated sediment C-stock was 49% of the biomass inhabitants. Lawrence (2012) specified coastal ecosystems,
C-stock. The mean sediment C-stock value was equivalent mangroves in particular, as blue carbon sinks attributing its
to 637. 7 t CO2 ha-1 which if excavated, as in the case of ability to transfer and store carbon on their sediments and
fish ponds and similar coastal disturbances and land use within plant parts at rates far greater than those of terrestrial
changes, would be oxidized and reverted into the forests. It is not surprising that great attention is now
atmosphere (Samson & Rollon, 2011). The near-surface focused on forests, including mangroves, to offset carbon
sediment C-stock which was estimated from the upper 30 emission due to their cheap cost compared to pollution
cm in this study is an indicative amount of the carbon control devices, their high potential rates of carbon uptake,
stored in the sediment of the Bahile natural mangrove and their environmental and social benefits (Warren-
stand. Hence, further studies that will account the total Rhodes et al., 2011).
PHILIPPINES MANGROVE CARBON STOCK ASSESSMENT 1961

Conclusions Chandra, I.A., G. Seca and M.K. Abu Hena. 2011.

Aboveground biomass production of Rhizophora
A very low diversity index was observed in the apiculata Blume in Sarawak mangrove forest. Am. J.
natural mangrove stand in Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, Agric. Biol. Sci., 6: 469-474.
Chave, J., C. Andalo, S. Brown, M.A. Cairns, J.Q. Chambers, D.
Palawan attributed to the dominance of few species, Eamus, H. Folster, F. Fromard, N. Higuchi, T. Kira, J.P.
specifically those belonging to the family Lescure, B.W. Nelson, H. Ogawa, H. Puig, B. Riera and T.
Rhizophoraceae. Nonetheless, because of the large tree Yamakura. 2005. Tree allometry and improved estimation
girths and high density of species observed in this forest of carbon stocks and balance in tropical forests. Oecologia,
as well as the litter fall buried in mangrove sediment 145: 87-99.
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Technology Projects (Project No. S211314L020130) primary productivity of Bruguiera parviflora (Wight &
provided by the Korea Forest Service. Arn.) dominated mangrove forest at Kuala Selangor,
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(Received for publication 10 June 2013)