Spatial & temporal assessment of Carbon dioxide and Methane fluxes from mangroves in Lamu Archipelago, Kenya

Mangroves are fragile forest ecosystems that store carbon in transition zones between land and ocean and critically support local community livelihood through the supply of goods and services. This study aims to assess carbon dioxide and methane fluxes from intact and degraded mangroves in the Southern and Pate Island swamps of the Lamu archipelago. Nested experimental design will be used, where 0.0025-hectare sample plots will be established in intact and degraded mangrove ecosystems. Within these sample plots, the soil fluxes (carbon dioxide and methane) and environmental variables (temperature and relative humidity) will be measured.
The information to be generated by the study is essential in tracking and reporting on the mangroves’ contribution to Kenya’s greenhouse emissions, design and implementation of payment for ecosystem schemes such as carbon offsets. In addition, the study provides valuable information to Community Forest Associations (Local communities) to support their conservation and utilization activities.