Marine biologist maps carbon value of Maputo mangroves to curb urban loss

Marine scientist Célia Macamo of Eduardo Mondlane University is conducting field and laboratory studies on the mangrove forests surrounding Maputo to quantify the amount of carbon stored in their soils. By drying, weighing, burning and re-weighing peat samples, she determines carbon levels that can be turned into marketable carbon credits, offering financial incentives for landowners to preserve the habitat. Rapid urban expansion, exemplified by new housing developments in Chiango near the Costa do Sol wetlands, puts pressure on these coastal trees, whose aerial roots both protect shorelines from intensified storms and serve as nurseries for marine life.

Macamo’s assessments also track tree dimensions, health and water salinity, factors that influence the forest’s ability to sequester carbon. She is exploring propagation techniques, such as planting mature mangrove fruit, to improve restoration outcomes. Although field work has become less frequent due to administrative duties, she remains optimistic that growing private-sector interest in nature-based solutions will help safeguard Mozambique’s mangroves.