Abstract
Mangrove and forested wetland ecosystems represent critical carbon reservoirs, yet uncertainties in belowground carbon stock estimates hinder their inclusion in climate mitigation strategies. Here we present soil carbon stock density data for mangrove and forested wetland ecosystems across Panama's Pacific and Caribbean regions. We established 45 permanent plots across marine and riparian mangrove typologies and 14 permanent plots in forested wetlands, collecting 544 soil cores to quantify soil carbon stocks. Soil samples were analyzed for bulk density, organic matter content, and organic carbon concentration, enabling calculation of carbon stock density at 0.3 m and 0.5 m depth profiles. Soil carbon stock density estimates differed among marine mangroves, riparian mangroves, and forested wetlands, reflecting ecosystem heterogeneity including mineral versus peat soils. These data provide essential ground-truth measurements contributing to Panama's national carbon accounting and climate commitments for the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry sector. The standardized methodology facilitates integration with regional carbon monitoring efforts across Central America and the Caribbean, supporting blue carbon database development and carbon mapping validation initiatives.