Land use/land cover change and carbon footprint in tropical ecosystems in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Extensive research has explored land use and land cover change (LULCC) in tropical ecosystems, but more detailed carbon footprint data is essential for defining strategies to enhance carbon sinks. This study assessed LULCC and its associated carbon footprints in different natural ecosystems. It also established forest reference levels (FRL). We used Landsat images for supervised classification and conducted forest inventories in 186 plots that span moist semi-deciduous forest, swamp forest, gallery forest, woodland and savannah areas. Biomass calculations employed allometric models, biomass expansion factors, and root-to-shoot ratios. Except in Lama Forest Reserve, anthropogenic pressures led to the regressive conversion of natural forest areas to savannah, croplands, and fallows. A progressive trend was observed in semi-deciduous forest (3.18 % per year), resulting in a positive LULC carbon footprint (16.06 tCO2eq.yr−1ha−1). 41.94 % of typical swamp forest was lost, releasing -62.89 tCO2eq.yr−1ha−1. Similarly, woodland decreased by -1.48 and -5.89 % per year, according to considered site, with emissions of -12.16 and -21.83 tCO2eq.yr−1ha−1, respectively. FRL followed the gradient of canopy cover of the different vegetation types. The results highlight the need for adequate conservation and management, considering land use and cover specifics, and provide useful baselines for REDD+ activities in countries with similar ecosystems.

Keywords

• Carbon footprint
• Carbon change rate
• Biomass stock dynamic
• Vegetation type
• Natural forest
• Forest degradation