Coconut-based agroecosystem for carbon sequestration

Abstract

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a perennial crop that provides a staple food and serves as a cash crop in many developing countries. Its production is mostly affected by climate, soil and diseases. The threat posed by greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions especially carbon dioxide (CO2) responsible for global warming and climate change, has called for the urgent need to mitigate climate change, by exploring environmental friendly ways to sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. The coconut farming and its agroecosystem is one of the ways that could substantially store CO2 through sequestration and will help to reduce the current increase in CO2 present in the atmosphere. Although, coconut plantations have similar characteristics and functions with tropical forests, it has ability to sequester carbon better than tropical forests. Besides coconut farming is improving income and livelihood of farmers, it’s therefore, paramount to utilize the potential of coconut-based agroecosystem for carbon sequestration, and investment opportunity needed for carbon trading, and as well help in climate change adaptation and mitigation plan.