Various axes of interdisciplinary research on Blue Carbon

 

In our proposition for a Blue Carbon Think Tank, we propose 5 types of interdisciplinary research to be conducted.

Proposed types of interdisciplinary research

  1. The team we propose is best-suited to tackle mangrove research and management from all angles simultaneously, including scientific, engineering, social, and economic. Quantification and modeling of the ecosystem services/values arising from mangroves/salt marshes (Blue carbon ecosystems).
    • This includes studies of carbon stocks and GHG emissions from land use in mangroves of Africa (as well as in the Caribbean). We could work to establish a NAMA (Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Activities plan) in selected countries.
    • Quantification of the food resources (fish, crabs, honey) arising from intact, degraded and restoring mangroves coupled with an economic evaluation of the fish resources.
    • Quantification of the storm protection values from mangroves (Crooks is a specialist in this type of modeling).
    • Quantification and modeling of other values such as ecotourism, water quality, etc. and
    • development of conservation planning aimed at maximizing carbon stocks and other ecosystem services.
  1. Field work in francophone nations would be conducted in a manner to build capacity in the countries. All work would include workshops and field trainings where relevant research data are collected while building capacity of the in-country land managers, universities, and NGOs. In addition we could include French (IUEM students) in the field work.
  2. A field course for IUEM students in France on the quantification of the carbon stocks and ecosystem services of the salt marshes of Brittany. This would lead to a student-led peer reviewed publication on the subject. We would use the same methods as we use in Africa so global comparisons could be made.
  3. Quantification of the benthic composition and diversity of mangroves. This could include studies of the benthic/invertebrate populations of mangroves with special emphasis on crab populations and their ecological functions.
  4. Ecological approaches to mangrove restoration and the carbon dynamics/benefits that arise from the regenerating mangroves. Here we could quantify the carbon sequestration of the mangroves. Further, the recovery of the fisheries values would be of interest.