Species Diversity and Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential of Mangrove Species at Katunggan It Ibajay (KII) Eco-Park in Aklan, Philippines

The Katunggan It Ibajay (KII) Eco-Park (44.22 ha-1) in Bugtongbato, Ibajay, Aklan, Philippines was selected in this study to determine the species diversity and to quantify the soil carbon sequestration potential of mangrove species. In identifying and recording the trees in the area, five (5) plots measuring 20mx20m were laid-out using quadrat sampling technique. Diversity index and carbon density equations were utilized to determine species diversity and carbon stocks in the soil. The diversity index (Hʹ=1.760) was very low having a total of thirteen species belonging to four (4) recorded families namely Avicenniacaea, Acanthaceae, Rhizophoraceae, and Sonneratiaceae. The soil pH ranged from acidic to slightly acidic. Despite its lean diversity, this mangrove forest which was dominated largely by species that belong to family Rhizophoraceae was still regarded for its great potential to sequester and store a substantial amount of carbon in the upper layer of the soil. Average stored Carbon in the soil was 82.12 tons C ha-1 equivalent to 301.38 tons CO2e ha-1. Hence, sustainable management strategies and collective efforts should be made to protect and preserve this naturally-grown ecosystem