L.T. Anh Biomass and carbon stock of mangrove forest in coastal area of Thai Binh province, Vietnam

Abstract

The quantitative evaluation of biomass and carbon stock in mangroves of Thai binh province does not only contribute to the protection and development of the coastal forest system, and the biodiversity conservation for Red River delta biosphere reserve, but it is also needed for orientation purposes when participating in the carbon market, raising the importance of mangroves in local socio-economic development. The biomass and carbon stored in mangroves are mainly quantified by the following methods: plot surveys, tree sampling, laboratory analyses for determining biomass and carbon content in the samples and  modeling the relationship between tree parameters, biomass and carbon contents. The results show that the mangrove species in the study area are mainly Sonneratia caseolaris, Bruguiera gymnorohiza, Kandelia obovata and Aegiceras corniculatum, planted from a long time ago until present, having an average diameter at breast height of 10.69 cm and an average height of 4.66 m. The most suitable bivariate correlation models are: exponential functions for dry biomass or carbon content - diameter at breast heights; quadratic polynomial function for dry biomass or carbon content - tree heights. The correlation functions representing the relationship between dry biomass or accumulated carbon with both diameters at breast height and height of tree are highly consistent with the anatomy data of the samples, so it could be applicable for the whole study area. The entire mangrove in Thai Binh coastal area is estimated approximately 68,000 tons of dry biomass, 34,000 tons of stored carbon and valuated of US $1,373,000 for carbon sequestration. This is a significant value for forest managers, especially for the local habitants managing community forests.