Prioritizing mangrove conservation across Mexico to facilitate 2020 NDC ambition

• Published in: Ambio Vol. 49; no. 12; pp. 1992 - 2002
• Main Authors: Kumagai, Joy A., Costa, Matthew T., Ezcurra, Exequiel, Aburto-Oropeza, Octavio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Science + Business Media 01-12-2020; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Atmospheric Sciences; Carbon; Carbon emissions; Carbon Sequestration; Conservation; Conservation of Natural Resources; Deforestation; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Ecosystem; Environment; Environmental Engineering/Biotechnology; Environmental Management; Local government; Mangroves; Mexico; Physical Geography; RESEARCH ARTICLE; Wetlands; Mexico; Mangroves; Blue carbon; Mexico; Ecosystem services; Carbon sequestration; Conservation
• ISSN: 0044-7447; 1654-7209
• DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01334-8

There is a scale mismatch between mangrove conservation and carbon emission mitigation policies despite mangroves contributing disproportionally to global carbon sequestration. Using Mexico as a case study in the integration of these scales, we estimate mangrove carbon value and deforestation rates at the municipio (local government) scale and develop a prioritization model that indicates where to focus conservation efforts. By using previously published global models of carbon stocks, Mexico-specific carbon sequestration data, and calculating gross deforestation, we found that the current rate of deforestation will result in a social cost of 392.0 (± 7.4) million US$ over the next 25 years. The prioritization model identified 26 municipios of 175, where if all mangroves are conserved, 50% of this cost could be avoided. Bridging the gap between research and governmental action using local initiatives will be paramount for the effective management of mangrove carbon.