Modeling Carbon Storage and Sequestration in Taguibo Watershed, Butuan City, Philippines using GIS and InVEST Technology

The study aimed to model and estimate carbon storage in this ecologically valuable area using the InVEST Carbon Storage and Sequestration modeling software. This tool was utilized to quantify ecosystems services within the watershed. The results indicated a substantial carbon storage capacity, with the area storing 2,735,254.56 Mg of C in 2023 and a predicted increase to 2,757,867.73 Mg of C by 2033. Notably, forests, which make up over 90% of the total carbon in the region, play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The spatial distribution of carbon storage varied among different Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) types, with areas rich in vegetation exhibiting higher carbon storage per hectare. These findings underscore the vital role of forests in carbon sequestration and highlight the importance of preserving these ecosystems to combat climate change effectively.