Carbon Sequestration in Pambala Lagoon
A research student from the University of North Carolina, USA explores carbon sequestration in Pambala Lagoon
On December 18, 2024, the Lanka Mangrove Museum had the honor of welcoming a research student from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States. Her research focuses on one of the most vital contributions of mangrove ecosystems to the environment — carbon sequestration. Her visit highlights the museum’s ongoing commitment to supporting research and fostering global collaboration in the field of mangrove conservation.
A 26-Year Legacy of Conservation and Carbon Sequestration
The research centered on a project that began in 1998 under the Pambala Lagoon Replanting Programme. This initiative, spearheaded by SFFL (Small Fishers Federation of Lanka) under the Community Environment Programme of the Ministry of Environment, aimed to restore mangrove cover in the Pol Ela, Pambala Lagoon. Today, 26 years later, the once-small mangrove saplings have grown into towering, mature trees that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration.
Carbon sequestration refers to the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, a critical function for mitigating the effects of climate change. Mangroves, often referred to as “blue carbon” ecosystems, are uniquely effective in this role. Unlike terrestrial forests, mangroves store carbon not just in their biomass but also within the sediment beneath them, resulting in significantly higher carbon sequestration potential.
These mangrove forests now stand as a living testament to the long-term benefits of reforestation and conservation efforts. They absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to combat global warming. The visit of the University of North Carolina student underscores the significance of this achievement, as the data collected will likely contribute to global research on the role of mangrove ecosystems in climate mitigation.