Assessing mangrove carbon: an operational method for Haiti

Context

Haiti has recently created several marine protected areas to preserve coastal biodiversity and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Mangroves, which are essential for carbon storage and coastal protection, play a key role in these objectives, but their contribution has been difficult to measure due to a lack of suitable tools. To support MPA managers, the Ministry of the Environment wanted a simple, reliable and reproducible methodology for assessing CO₂ storage and monitoring ecological indicators. This approach had to be accessible to local teams, while providing data that could be used for MPA management and national accounting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals.

The project is thus part of a national drive towards sustainable management of coastal ecosystems and recognition of the role of mangroves in mitigating climate change.

Activities carried out

• Analysis of existing data and drafting of a framework document to structure the approach.
• Development of calculation and mapping tools and initial methodological elements.
• Design of a comprehensive methodology for assessing CO₂ storage by mangroves.
• Field testing of the protocol and technical adjustments with local teams.
• Finalisation of the methodology and drafting of the operational guide.
• Training of ANAP staff to ensure ownership and implementation of the protocol.

Project details

The project involved developing a simple, operational methodology for measuring CO₂ storage in mangroves in Haiti’s marine protected areas.

The team analysed existing data, designed calculation and mapping tools, and then developed a comprehensive protocol incorporating ecological indicators. This protocol was tested in the field to verify its feasibility and adjust the methods to the capabilities of local managers.

Specialised training then enabled ANAP staff to master the methodology and implement it independently. The project now provides authorities with a reliable tool for monitoring the condition of mangroves and promoting their role in mitigating climate change.

Expected results

• Development of a comprehensive and operational methodology for assessing CO₂ storage in mangroves.
• Production of an accessible and replicable protocol, adapted to the capacities of MPA managers.
• Development of calculation and mapping tools and ecological indicators that can be used over the long term.
• Validation of the methodology through field testing and technical adjustments.
• Strengthening the skills of ANAP staff through dedicated training.
• Provision of a final guide enabling the adoption and autonomous implementation of carbon monitoring.

Budget

125 000 €

Beneficiaries

Ministry of the Environment

Donor

Haitian Government