TREE DIVERSITY AND CARBON STORAGE IN KUMASI'S URBAN FOREST PATCHES

Urban forests are essential green infrastructure, offering ecosystem services that mitigate climate change and conserve biodiversity. In Kumasi, Ghana, rapid urbanization has fragmented forest patches, threatening their ecological value. This study assessed six urban forest sites in Kumasi, analyzing tree diversity, stand structure, and carbon stock using plot-based sampling and allometric equations. Results identified 91 plant species, including globally threatened taxa (e.g., Khaya ivorensis, Milicia excelsa). Carbon stocks ranged from 127.19 to 298.10 tC/ha, with the KNUST Botanical Gardens recording the highest levels. Findings highlight the conservation importance of protected green spaces and call for integrated urban planning and policy reform. Urban forests must be formally recognized for their role in biodiversity preservation and climate mitigation in rapidly expanding cities across the Global South.