Abstract

SUAREZ DUQUE, David; ACURIO, Cristhian; CHIMBOLEMA, Segundo  and  AGUIRRE, Ximena. Analysis of carbon secuestration in two andean wetland protected areas Ecuador. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2016, vol.15, n.2, pp.171-177. ISSN 1726-2216.  http://dx.doi.org/10.21704/rea.v15i2.756.

Wetlands are considered globally important for storing carbon, due to the high plant productivity, and low decomposition of organic matter occurring in their flooded soils. Protected areas around the world are being conserved and ecosystems managed to maintain a good state of biodiversity and environmental services; therefore, contributing to carbon storage in these. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential of carbon that could be stored in the high wetlands of the Antisana Ecological Reserve (REA) and the Cajas National Park (PNC) of Ecuador. Wetland with different states of conservation were analyzed in each protected area; the contribution to organic carbon capture was determined through a systematic sampling with field and laboratory work. In the REA and the PNC, the wetland considered "preserved" had the highest organic carbon content. Wetlands have a significant potential for carbon sequestration, but drainage, drying, burning and grazing trigger the release of CO₂, thus the conservation of wetlands is critical in regulating the carbon cycle on Earth.

Keywords : Wetlands; carbon capture; moorlands; paramo; soil; ecosystem services; climate change.

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