Mangrove ecosystems are highly efficient at sequestering carbon, making them an important natural solution to climate change. Here’s how carbon sequestration works in mangrove ecosystems:

1. Mangrove trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store the carbon in their tissues. The carbon is then transferred to the soil through the decomposition of leaves, roots, and other plant material.

2. The soil in mangrove ecosystems is composed of deep layers of organic matter, which can store carbon for centuries or even millennia. The carbon is stored in the form of peat, which is a type of soil that is formed by the accumulation of partially decayed plant material.

3. Mangrove ecosystems can sequester large amounts of carbon over time. It is estimated that mangrove forests can store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests.

4. Mangrove ecosystems are under threat from human activities, such as deforestation and coastal development. When mangrove forests are destroyed, the carbon stored in the soil is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Overall, the carbon sequestration capacity of mangrove ecosystems highlights the importance of their conservation and restoration for mitigating the impacts of climate change. Protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems can help to preserve their carbon storage capacity and support sustainable development in coastal communities.