Carbon Storage and Sequestration by Selected Tree Species in the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus’ (USC-TC) Nature Park, Cebu City, Philippines

Abstract

Increasing global warming as a result of an unprecedented increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is a worldwide concern. Among the most important greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is carbon dioxide. The call for the reduction and sequestration of carbon dioxide is indeed very urgent. Urban greenspaces are seen to be an important player in reducing carbon dioxide. In this regard, this study looks into the carbon storage and sequestration potential by an endemic and introduced tree species in the nature park of the University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus (USC-TC), namely the molave (Vitex parviflora) and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Ninety (90) individuals of molave and 90 individuals of mahogany were
measured in this study. On average, molave stored 36.21 Mg C ha– 1 while mahogany stored 207.76 Mg C ha– 1
. Likewise, the molave sequestered carbon at a rate of 3.80 Mg C ha– 1 y – 1 while mahogany sequestered at a rate of 3.41 Mg C ha– 1y– 1. Conversely, older mahogany trees store more carbon than the younger molave trees. However, both old mahoganyand
younger molave trees do not differ in their respective annual carbon sequestration rate. Thus far, urban greenspaces, such as the nature park of the University of San Carlos–Talamban Campus (USC-TC), Cebu City, Philippines can positively help in regulating microclimate conditions in an urban setting. It is therefore recommended that old-growth forests must be preserved and new reforestation projects must consider planting endemic species like molave.