Value Assessment Links Mangrove Conservation and Restoration
A tiny Central American country is charting a path to slowing climate change, boosting the economy, and enhancing community safety. According to a new Stanford-led study, the value of Belizes coastal mangrove forests has been quantified in terms of carbon storage, economic contributions to tourism and fisheries, and protection against coastal storms. The study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, has already influenced Belizes commitment to protecting or restoring additional mangrove forests totaling an area about the size of Washington, D.C., by 2030. This approach serves as a valuable lesson for other coastal nations.
If realized, the effort in Belize will not only store and sequester millions of tons of carbon but also significantly benefit lobster fisheries, generate mangrove tourism revenue, and reduce the risk of coastal hazards for a greater number of people. Researchers models predict that lobster fisheries could increase by up to 66% and mangrove tourism could be worth several million dollars annually. These projections are based on the implementation of effective mangrove conservation and restoration strategies.
Study lead author Katie Arkema emphasized the relevance of the findings for the United States, pointing out that the country has a vast coastline and extensive wetlands. The research offers an evidence-based approach that could help the U.S. set climate resilience and economic development goals. Nature-based solutions, such as mangrove conservation and carbon sequestration, have the potential to assist countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. Unfortunately, many major coastal countries, including the U.S., have not fully embraced these blue carbon strategies due to complexities in calculating carbon sequestration capacity and determining optimal implementation locations.
The Stanford-led study in Belize involved collaboration with Belizean policymakers, stakeholders, and scientists from Mexico. Carbon storage and sequestration, flood risk reduction, tourism, and fisheries co-benefits were quantified through modeling techniques and data collected from various locations. The researchers discovered that even small-scale mangrove restoration can yield significant tourism and fisheries benefits in certain areas. They also observed that total organic carbon sequestration is initially lower during mangrove restoration compared to protecting existing forests. Additionally, the rate of increase in benefits apart from carbon storage begins to decline at a certain point as mangrove area continues to expand. Identifying these inflection points helps stakeholders and policymakers make informed decisions regarding ecosystem protection and coastal development.
As a result of the studys findings, Belizean policymakers committed to protecting an additional 46 square miles of existing mangroves and restoring 15 square miles of mangroves by 2030. Besides carbon storage and sequestration, these efforts are expected to boost lobster fisheries, generate substantial revenue from mangrove tourism, and enhance coastal hazard mitigation. Despite being a country with a small population and a relatively modest GDP, Belize showcases an inspiring example of blending climate and sustainable development goals. This approach not only opens up new financing opportunities for nature-based solutions but also sets a precedent for policy and investment decision-making processes in other countries.
The study received funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the World Wildlife Fund. Study co-authors included researchers from various organizations, such as the Natural Capital Project, Silvestrum Climate Associates, the University of Washington, and Belizes National Climate Change Office and Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute. Moving forward, the Natural Capital Project, the InterAmerican Development Bank, and the Asian Development Bank will work with Belize and nine other countries to integrate nature-based approaches into policy and investment decisions, further promoting the importance of quantifying natures benefits.
