Understanding blue carbon management strategies: quantitative assessment of blue carbon stock among three mangrove stands in Eastern Visayas, Philippines, W. Pacific Border

Abstract Mangrove ecosystem, a blue carbon ecosystem, plays a vital role in mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide in the form of biomass and in its sediments. Despite the growing significance of the "blue carbon" conversation and the collective efforts at the international and national levels, there remains a substantial gap that needs to be undertaken in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. This study quantifies the blue carbon stock in three mangrove stands (natural, reforested, and afforested) in Eastern Visayas by utilizing field-based data and allometric equations. Total ecosystem blue carbon (TEBC) stocks (mean ± std : 387.4 ± 47.4 Mg ha −1 ) were significantly different ( p < 0.05) across sites and stands, with natural stands stockpiling the highest TEBC, followed by afforested, and reforested stands. These findings suggest that while sustainable conservation and reforestation efforts are essential, afforestation initiatives should be similarly highlighted as a significant strategy for management, and mitigation of the effects of climate change. Further, this study demonstrates the carbon sequestration potential of mangrove stands in Eastern Visayas (mean ± std : 1432.6 ± 231.4 CO 2 ha −1 ) highlighting the importance of site-specific blue carbon stock assessment due to the impacts of distinct biological and environmental factors. Graphical Abstract