Mangrove Mapping and monitoring

Dates: 13-16 January 2025.

Location: Belmopan and Punta Gorda, Belize.

Objective: To strengthen capacity of Belizean institutions and agencies to (a) use space-based data and cloud computing platforms to map mangrove extent, height, and other key characteristics, (b) measure and calculate carbon stocks in the field for various carbon pools including aboveground biomass, below ground biomass, downed and woody debris, and soil. 

Background

Although mangrove forests compose a small percentage of tropical forested area, these forests may account for up to 10% of carbon emissions from deforestation, since mangroves store 3-5 times more carbon than other tropical forests. In addition to being a critical part of efforts to mitigate climate change, mangroves have numerous other benefits, including protection from tropical cyclones, shoreline stabilization, improved water quality, sediment and nutrient retention, biodiversity epicenters, fish nurseries, recreation and tourism. 

In this workshop we will showcase the latest methods in mangrove mapping and carbon estimation, bringing together space-based mapping approaches that rely on satellite data and cloud computing platforms with field-based carbon inventories that use the latest on-the-ground protocols. The combination of mangrove extent maps (including changes over time) and ground-based estimates of carbon per hectare allow us to estimate carbon dioxide emissions (from deforestation and forest degradation) and removals (from mangrove restoration). Ultimately, we emphasize how space- and ground-based approaches complement each other.         

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