Carbon Pools and Multiple Benefits of Mangroves in Central Africa – Assessment for REDD+

This analytical document presents that the mangroves of Central Africa which are found in Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola, could be amongst the most carbon-rich ecosystems in the world. Each hectare of cleared pristine mangrove is estimated to release 1,299 tonnes of C02 per year. However, until mangroves are included in the national definition of forests, many countries will be unable to access carbon incentives, improved governance, jobs and a range of other benefits under the global REDD+ programme.