Assessment of Carbon Stock in Woody Vegetation for the Mitigation of Atmospheric CO2 Emissions at Natitingou City in North Benin (West Africa)

Abstract

The study aims at evaluating the potential of carbon sequestration by woody vegetation in the township of Natitingou. The phytosociological survey method was used to collect data in plots 344 of 1 ha each using the stratified random sampling technique. The use of the allometric model, developed for the Sudanian domain, made it possible to estimate the carbon of the different species inventoried. In total, 89 woody species, divided into 74 genera and 36 families were counted. The most representative families are Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae (15%), Moraceae (9%), Anacardiaceae (7%), Leguminosae-Mimosoideae (7%). The urban woody vegetation of Natitingou produces on average 42.3 ± 4.1 tMs/ha of biomass for an average carbon stock rate of 20.6 ± 2.0 t/ha, of which the equivalent in trapped CO2 is 75.5 ± 7.4 t/ha. Afzelia africana (7.8 t/tree) and Adansonia digitata (6.9 t/tree) have the highest average carbon values by species, while Annona senegalensis (0.008 t/tree) and Senna alata (0.006 t/tree) have the lowest values. The ecological value of vegetation in the urban environment of Natitingou is estimated at 803901 $. The atmospheric carbon reduction potential of urban vegetation in Natitingou was revealed and will serve decision makers and the public as a springboard for urban planning projects and as an opportunity for the carbon market in the REDD+ process.