BLUE CARBON IN AFRICAN COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS: STOCKS, SEQUESTRATION, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, AND UNCHARTED SINKS IN WEST AND WEST-CENTRAL AFRICA

This study assessed empirical evidence on blue carbon stocks, carbon accumulation rates (CARs), ecosystem services, and knowledge gaps in West and West-Central Africa. After following the recommendations of PRISMA 2020, 67 records met all inclusion criteria from 849 records identified through systematic searches of Google Scholar and PubMed (2008–2026). The inclusion of green carbon pathways, the standardisation of radiometric dating methods and the incorporation of blue carbon into African Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are identified as urgent priorities. This review offers a continental base of evidence to inform blue carbon accounting, ecosystem conservation, and climate-policy design across African coastal countries.