Carbon Storage of Vegetation in the Different Land Uses of Mt. Musuan in Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

Mt. Musuan is a mountain ecosystem that is valued for its biodiversity and ecotourism. In order to further enhance the biodiversity and ecotourism activities, the current status of its land uses and the carbon storage of its vegetation was assessed. Findings have shown four major ecosystems in the area – namely, natural forest, plantation forests, grass-shrubland, and agro-ecosystem – which respectively cover 16% (66 ha), 24% (103 ha), 39% (164 ha), and 20% (85 ha) of the mountain’s 425-ha total land area. Trails and physical facilities occupy the remaining 1%. Fifteen (15) land uses were delineated, wherein eight are forest plantations. The largest area was the G. arborea plantation that comprised 37% (38.23 ha), whereas the least was the P. caribaea plantation that only covers 0.7% (0.73 ha). The summit has an area of about 1800 m2, from which around 1000 m2 can be used by visitors for sightseeing and camping. The designated viewing area at the very top is much smaller and is estimated only at around 100 m2. In terms of vegetation carbon storage, the natural forest stores an estimated 208 Mg C ha–1. For the entire Mt. Musuan, an estimated 25,522 Mg C is stored, 47% (13,657 Mg C) of which is in the natural forest. The data and findings in this study will have potential use in planning. Based on the spatial pattern of the land uses, planners and implementers will be guided on where to put up development projects and investments related to biodiversity and ecotourism development. Effective management of the natural forest to protect its remaining biodiversity and carbon should be done. Accelerated rehabilitation of the grass-shrubland ecosystem should also be done to further enhance the biodiversity and ecotourism potential of the area, as well as its capacity to store carbon.