Carbon credit assessment for Mangrove conservation: A detailed study of Futian Mangrove reserve in Shenzhen

Mangroves are significant coastal blue carbon ecosystems that play an essential role in mitigating climate change. However, due to the lack of reasonable benefit quantification methods and active market regulation mechanisms, the carbon credit generated by mangroves is difficult to enter the carbon market. Drawing on extensive references to relevant domestic and international guidelines, standards, and methodologies, this study developed a carbon credit measurement method for mangrove protection carbon sink projects that comprehensively considers carbon benefits, biodiversity benefits, and community benefits. The allometric equation of mangrove species with high recognition in the academic community was used to estimate the variation of carbon storage of each carbon pool from 2017 to 2020. A novel technique based on land use change prognostication was introduced to determine the baseline scenario of project. Carbon benefits for the study area during the first monitoring period (2010-2020) were conservatively estimated. Special investigations and monitoring were conducted in China's only national nature reserve located in the city's hinterland, based on the years of biodiversity surveys and high-resolution remote sensing images. The results indicate that the carbon density in the Futian National Mangrove Nature Reserve in Shenzhen was 416.362 ± 5.579 tCO₂^e/ha in 2020. The conservation project not only helps mitigate climate change but also contributes to biodiversity conservation and community development. The average annual carbon benefit from the mangrove conservation sequestration project in the initial monitoring period was 3874.544 tCO₂^e.a^-1. The development of carbon credit accounting methods for mangrove protection will facilitate the utilization of carbon market mechanisms to achieve effective resource allocation, expand financing channels for mangrove protection initiatives, and further enhance the conservation of mangrove ecosystems.