Mangrove Restoration Effectiveness for Coastal Carbon Sequestration in Eastern Indonesia

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems play a vital role in climate change mitigation by storing substantial amounts of blue carbon while protecting coastal communities from erosion and extreme weather events. Despite extensive restoration initiatives across Eastern Indonesia, the effectiveness of these programs in enhancing carbon sequestration remains insufficiently evaluated. This study assesses the ecological and carbon storage performance of restored mangrove ecosystems using a combination of field measurements, biomass estimation, sediment carbon analysis, and geospatial mapping. Carbon stocks were compared among restored, degraded, and natural mangrove sites to determine restoration success. The findings indicate that restored mangroves significantly increased aboveground biomass and sediment organic carbon within ten years of restoration, although carbon accumulation rates varied according to species composition, hydrological conditions, and restoration techniques. Community participation also contributed positively to restoration maintenance and ecosystem resilience. The study demonstrates that successful mangrove restoration can simultaneously support climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable coastal livelihoods. However, long-term monitoring and adaptive management are essential to maximize ecosystem recovery and carbon sequestration potential. These findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers in strengthening Indonesia's blue carbon strategies and improving the effectiveness of ecosystem-based climate adaptation programs.