Carbon Sequestration Potential of Mangrove Ecosystems in Cambodia: With Emphasis on Rare Mangrove Species

Abstract Mangrove forests are critical blue carbon ecosystems, with Southeast Asia holding a significant portion of global mangrove area. Cambodia’s mangroves, though reduced in extent, remain important carbon sinks and host rare species such as Heritiera littoralis, Xylocarpus granatum, and the critically endangered Bruguiera hainesii. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on carbon sequestration in Cambodian mangroves, highlighting the understudied role of rare species in carbon dynamics. Rare mangroves may contribute disproportionately to carbon storage through high wood density, slow litter decomposition, and unique root structures that enhance soil organic matter retention. However, direct quantification of their carbon stocks and ecological functions in Cambodia is lacking. These species face heightened threats from deforestation, selective logging, and habitat fragmentation, which jeopardize both biodiversity and long-term carbon storage. Integrating rare mangroves into conservation and restoration strategies—supported by accurate carbon accounting and climate finance mechanisms like REDD+—could enhance ecosystem resilience and maximize co-benefits for climate mitigation and biodiversity. Future research must prioritize species-specific allometrics, trait-based studies, and mapping of rare species distributions to inform evidence-based policy and management. Keywords: Mangrove ecosystems; Blue carbon; Rare species; Carbon sequestration; Cambodia; Biodiversity conservation; REDD+