Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RACSA) Implementation in Wahig-Inabanga Watershed, Bohol, Philippines

Abstract

The study aimed at assessing the biomass and carbon stocks of all major land uses in Wahig-Inabanga Watershed, Bohol, Philippines and to estimate its total carbon budget. The “A priori stratification cum purposive sampling” was used. Field measurements were conducted following the destructive and non-destructive methods. The total C stored in the different land uses surveyed in the watershed was estimated at 3.89 Megatons, 83.23% of which was held in the cultivated perennial crops. Among the land uses assessed, it was only mangrove which had lower carbon density estimate relative to previously reported values indicating substantial degradation of mangroves vegetation over the years. The possibility of increasing its potential to store more carbon could only be improved if appropriate management and alternative livelihood interventions, coupled with conservation and protection measures are properly implemented.