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Assess mangrove biomass and carbon stocks in the Sabuli mangrove ecosystem of Timor-Leste.

April 13, 2026Land Degradation and Development0 citations

Allometry‐Based Quantification of Mangrove Biomass and Carbon Stocks in Sabuli Village, Metinaro, Timor‐Leste

NANorberto Gomes de AraujoNational University of East Timor YIYudi Nurul Ihsan MSMega Laksmini Syamsuddin

Key Points

Assess mangrove biomass and carbon stocks in the Sabuli mangrove ecosystem of Timor-Leste.
Conducted vegetation surveys across 13 sampling plots in tide zones
Measured 109 mangrove trees for diameter at breast height (DBH) and height
Used allometric equations for above-ground and below-ground biomass quantification
Calculated carbon stocks using IPCC methods and converted biomass to CO2 equivalents
Applied statistical analyses to explore relationships between tree attributes and biomass
Mean total biomass estimated at approximately 48 t ha−1
Corresponding carbon stocks calculated as 23 t C ha−1 or 84 t CO2 ha−1
Strong positive correlations found between DBH and biomass variables (r = 0.963–0.971)
Moderate heterogeneity observed in biomass distribution across tidal zones, with higher values in seaward and landward zones

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mangrove ecosystems constitute important blue carbon habitats that provide coastal protection, sustain biodiversity, and contribute significantly to climate change mitigation through their capacity to store organic carbon. Despite their ecological importance, quantitative assessments of mangrove biomass and carbon stocks remain scarce in many regions, including Timor‐Leste. The present research establishes the first field‐based evaluation of mangrove biomass and carbon storage within the Sabuli mangrove ecosystem located in Metinaro, Timor‐Leste. Vegetation surveys were conducted across 13 sampling plots distributed along seaward, middle, and landward tidal zones. A total of 109 mangrove trees representing eight species were measured, with diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and species identity recorded for each individual. Above‐ground biomass (AGB) and below‐ground biomass (BGB) were quantified using established allometric equations, while carbon stocks were calculated using the IPCC carbon fraction (0.48) and converted to CO 2 equivalents using a factor of 3.67. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and linear regression, were applied to evaluate relationships between tree structural attributes and biomass accumulation. The Sabuli mangrove ecosystem exhibited a mean total biomass of approximately 48 t ha −1 , corresponding to 23 t C ha −1 or 84 t CO 2 ha −1 . Very strong positive correlations were observed between DBH and biomass variables ( r = 0.963–0.971), indicating that tree diameter represents a reliable predictor of biomass and carbon storage. Spatial analysis revealed moderate heterogeneity in biomass distribution across tidal zones, with slightly higher biomass values occurring in the seaward and landward zones. These findings provide the first empirical baseline for mangrove biomass and blue carbon stocks in Timor‐Leste and supply essential data for coastal ecosystem management, climate mitigation strategies, and future blue carbon initiatives.

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