Senegal mangrove carbon credits project sold 'ghost carbon' after most trees died

A major mangrove restoration project in Senegal sold carbon credits based on carbon capture that never happened. Researchers found that 36% of the planted plots had zero surviving mangroves, and survival rates on the rest ranged from less than 5% to full success. The project planted millions of seedlings in areas unsuitable for mangroves, including salty mudflats far from tidal channels. The failure rate was not properly accounted for when calculating the carbon dioxide the restored mangroves would absorb. This means the climate benefits were overstated and the credits sold did not represent real emissions reductions. The findings highlight the need for independent verification and honest accounting in blue carbon projects, though mangroves remain a powerful natural climate tool when done correctly.