Mapping and Measuring Mangrove Restoration: Carbon Sequestration in Sankandi, The Gambia.

Mangroves are essential for the effective function of the global ecosystem and play a crucial role in combating climate change. Rural communities like Sankandi in The Gambia directly face the adverse effects of mangrove loss, with annual salinisation progressively reducing arable land and fish stocks. In this study, we utilised drone mapping to help delineate a 349.74-hectare restoration site around Sankandi into established or planted mangroves, mudflats, or potential restoration sites for Rhizophora mangle and Avicenna germinans. Porewater was measured across the site to determine the salinity gradient, with results ranging between 37 – 80ppt, with an average increase of 1ppt per meter. Additional measurements also included the amount of carbon stored within the biomass and topsoil of planted Rhizophora mangle within five plots across eight years of plantings. This was used to estimate a carbon sequestration rate of 5.6±2.4Mg C ha-1 y-1. Under a carbon credits program, this is estimated to generate 410.6±176$ ha-1 y-1 potentially providing a substantial source of revenue for the rural community and encouraging continued efforts for the restoration of mangroves. The findings underscore the significant ecological and economic benefits of mangrove restoration in combating climate change and supporting local communities.