TITLE:
Aboveground Blue Carbon Stock Assessment of Bakhawan Eco-Park Mangrove Plantation in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, the Philippines
AUTHORS:
Melba L. Raga-as, Raffy L. Tano, Floramae Q. Polaron, Roberto L. Saladar, Nenia N. Bohulano, Jea-Ann A. Morales, Eric R. Gregorio, Jose Adonis N. Nacionales
KEYWORDS:
Biomass Density, Monetary Value, Mangrove Species, GSP Device, KASAMA
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.12 No.12,
December
15,
2022
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the aboveground biomass density, blue carbon stock, and monetary value of the mangroves at Bakhawan Eco-Park Mangrove Plantation in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. There were 21, 45 × 45-meter sampled plots established, equivalent to 5% sampling intensity of the plantation’s total area. The number of sample plots was distributed in proportion to the area of the plantation in the specific year it was established. The quadrant and random sampling methods were used. All trees in a quadrant were identified, and the biomass density was calculated using the wood density of various mangrove species. Carbon stock was calculated by multiplying the biomass density by 0.46 or 0.5. The monetary value of C was calculated using the benefits transfer method at $5/ton. The results showed that the plantation established in 1990 had the highest biomass density (Mg/ha) and carbon stock (Mg/ha) with 132 Mg/ha and 66.02 Mg/ha, while the plantation established in 2015 had the lowest biomass density and carbon stock (Mg/ha) with 69.98 Mg/ha and 34.99 Mg/ha. Overall, the estimated total monetary value of Bakhawan Eco-Park of 250 hectares mangrove plantation in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan is PhP 2994771.63.