Os impactos do uso da terra na variação espacial dos estoques de carbono: implicações socioeconômicas para a conservação e gestão dos manguezais de Machangulo em Maputo, Moçambique

Abstract

his study reviews land use impacts on spatial variation of soil and biomass carbon stocks and their socio-economic implications for the conservation and management of Machangulo mangroves, Maputo Province, Moçambique. These systems play a key role in mitigating climate changes, as they serve as strong sinks of carbon highly efficient and because they provide essential ecological services to coastal communities. Nevertheless, urban expansion and land conversion to agricultural and infrastructure purposes have caused serious losses of carbon stores, while further widening population vulnerability to climatic extreme events. The study combines field measurements, laboratory analyses, remote sensing, and geographic information systems to estimate soil and biomass carbon stocks in different land-use types. Results show that disturbed human-performed areas show substantially low values of carbon with respect to preserved ones. From a social and economic standpoint, it can be noted that coastal communities are highly reliant on mangrove ecological services for subsistence, income generation and protection from environmental risks. Results reinforce that integrative approaches to mangrove conservation that articulate with their environment, social and economic dimensions are fundamental to acknowledge coastal communities' reliance on these ecological services for their well-being. Policies geared towards sustainable land-use, community involvement, environmental education and economic valuation of ecological services can play a key role to strengthen coastal resiliency and ensuring that these mangroves sustain their functions over time. In that respect, it is possible to recognize that the study provides insights to better decisions for mangrove conservation, while unveiling interlinkages of carbon sequestration, biodiversity and human well-being