RIASSUNTO
Abstract
Wetland restoration is essential in addressing wetland loss along the coasts of Southern Louisiana. Wetland restoration techniques, such as planting mangroves, provide a wealth of benefits such as storm surge reduction, fish and wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, recreation, job creation, and economic development that are vital to the sustainability of coastal Louisiana. The Louisiana Land & Exploration Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, is one of the largest private owners of coastal marsh in the nation, owning approximately 640,000 acres located in the coastal zone of southeast Louisiana. A pilot project was recently initiated by ConocoPhillips and Tierra Resources to apply the latest scientific approaches to measure the benefits of mangrove plantings for restoration purposes and viability of carbon sequestration on ConocoPhillips’ property in Southern Louisiana. This paper discusses the pilot project as well as the application of the first certified methodology for quantifying the carbon sequestration benefits of this wetland restoration project. Results from this three-year (2012–2015) pilot project will address science gaps, determine costs, benefits, and barriers to implementation.