Gabriela “Bella” Reyes
Reconciling the Global Need for Mangrove Blue Carbon with Local Mangrove Use for Subsistence
Abstract
Linking community needs with globally important climate change mitigation efforts is a challenge for ecosystem conservation. Mangroves are recognized for their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and atmospheric carbon drawdown, as they are a vital sink of ‘blue carbon’. While blue carbon is a global benefit of mangroves, local communities also rely on other mangrove ecosystem benefits for human well-being and economic purposes, like fishing and tourism. Managing mangrove ecosystems solely for blue carbon may jeopardize the autonomy of local communities that rely on mangrove use for daily subsistence.
Using a multi-disciplinary approach, I will work with local communities in southeastern Puerto Rico to inform mangrove blue carbon research and future conservation efforts. Integrating local and global needs into conservation plans will help ensure shared responsibility for these management efforts and climate solutions by increasing relevancy and accessibility for local communities. This project will provide a framework for working with local communities to enhance our understanding of the complex social-ecological interactions that affect carbon dynamics and the management of blue carbon ecosystems.
Mentors
Dr. Daniel Friess of Tulane University, Dr. Danielle Ogurcak at Florida International University, and Angel Dieppa Ayala at Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
Undergraduate Education
B.A. in Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, 2016
A.A. in Liberal Arts, Piedmont Virginia Community College, 2012
Graduate Education
Ph.D. in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, expected 2025
