Managed rainforests support higher carbon density and sequestration in the Congo Basin

Abstract

Abstract Land-use is a key driver of forest loss and aboveground live carbon (AGC) emissions in the Congo Basin (CB) rainforest. Here we evaluate the influence of land-use disturbances on AGC stocks and fluxes by developing an AGC density map for the year 2020 and integrating it with high-resolution forest cover change data spanning 30 years (1990-2020) to quantify carbon emissions and removals. Logged forests show 8% (5%–10%) less AGC compared to old growth, while slash-and-burn and unmanaged degradations display up to 50% differences. Unmanaged areas account for 54% of the region’s AGC storage. Old growth dominates the total AGC removals (84%) with the region functioning as a net AGC sink at -37.5 ± 4.8 TgCyr 1 , driven by logging concessions (-21.3 ± 2.4 TgCyr -1 ) and protected areas (-15.7 ± 2.2 TgCyr -1 ), while unmanaged areas remained nearly neutral. These findings emphasize the role of sustainable forests management to enhance carbon retention in the region.