Estimation of blue carbon potential in the mangrove ecosystem of Pulau Telaga Tujuh, Langsa Barat District, for climate change mitigation

Abstract This research focuses on the role of mangrove ecosystems in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. The study is centered on the mangrove forest on Telaga Tujuh Island, Langsa Barat District, which features natural and undisturbed vegetation. The objective is to identify tree species and to calculate biomass and carbon stock both above and below ground. The research will be conducted from May 2024 until completion, using purposive sampling for plot placement. A total of 8 circular plots with a radius of 11.3 m was be used for tree sampling. Parameters measured include tree diameter, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, carbon stock per hectare, the potential of vegetation to absorb CO 2 emissions, and the potential of vegetation to produce O 2 . The results indicate that the mangrove trees in the Telaga Tujuh Mangrove Forest, Langsa Barat District, consist of 221 black mangrove ( Rhizophora mucronata ) trees and 34 red mangrove ( Rhizophora apiculata ) trees. The black mangrove trees most frequently fall within the diameter range of 10-20cm, with the fewest in the 41-50cm range, totaling 134 and 5 individuals, respectively. The red mangrove trees are most abundant in the 10-20cm diameter range and least in the 21-30cm range, with totals of 24 and 10 individuals, respectively. The total biomass, carbon stock, CO 2 sequestration, and O 2 equivalent across the 8 observation plots are 4,184.24 ton/ha, 2,020.60 ton C/ha, 7,210.85 ton CO 2 /ha, and 5,244.27 ton/ha, respectively.