Prof. Dr. Roberto González de Zayas 

Coastal Blue Carbon is the carbon stored by, sequestered in, and released from coastal ecosystems including tidal wetlands, mangroves, and seagrass meadows. While these ecosystems occupy a relatively small percentage of the planet, their contributions to climate change mitigation are significant. To know the potential blue carbon storage at different tropical coastal ecosystems (mangroves and seagrasses) in a Cuban wetland, six sediment cores will be taken in six sites with different disturbance level. The cores will be taken with a corer equipment, frozen and transferred to the Geology and Chemistry laboratories of Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) of Bremen University. To investigate the potential carbon storage will use some modern and specialized techniques and highly qualified personnel, which is not possible currently in Cuba. Results of sediment cores analysis will be the first quantification of stored carbon and these carbon stocks and rates will be used to make more realistic estimations of carbon budget in Cuba and its global contribution. Results could also help to know the sources of organic matter at these habitats and will be the first steps to expand this experience to others wetlands of Cuba. The research plan of applicant proposes a schedule of six months of residence at HWK. This research process will be a good training and could be a first steps to future studies in Cuba and Caribbean Region.