Integrating Mangrove Species into National Carbon Accounting and REDD+ Strategies in Cambodia

Abstract Current national carbon accounting and REDD+ frameworks in Cambodia, while prioritizing forest protection, risk overlooking critical mangrove degradation and biodiversity loss by treating forests as homogeneous units. This nano-review contends that the selective logging of high-carbon-density, rare species such as Heritiera littoralis causes significant, yet often undetected, carbon emissions and undermines ecosystem resilience. We propose the technical and policy integration of mangrove species data into Cambodia's climate strategies to enhance carbon accounting accuracy and incentivize biodiversity conservation. A framework is outlined, advocating for forest stratification by species composition, the development of species-specific emission factors, and enhanced Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems. Furthermore, we recommend aligning REDD+ benefits with biodiversity through enforceable safeguards, biodiversity-premium carbon credits, and diverse restoration protocols. Implementing these measures would position Cambodia as a leader in holistic blue carbon governance, ensuring the integrity of its climate mitigation efforts and the conservation of unique coastal biodiversity. Keywords Species-integrated carbon accounting; REDD+; Mangrove degradation; Biodiversity co-benefits; Heritiera littoralis; Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV); Blue carbon; Cambodia; Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL); Climate policy