Hotspot analysis for mangrove restoration suitability

The study utilized Central America as a focal area and employed a two-phase workflow involving scripted analysis in RStudio and non-scripted application of QGIS geoprocessing tools and qualitative assessment. Approaches to spatially defining mangrove areas for analysis were examined, including global administrative zones, buffering around mangrove areas of loss, and manual boundary selection.

Specific datasets for restoration suitability indicators such as mangrove loss, population distribution, poverty metrics, soil organic carbon, protected areas and others were evaluated for effectiveness. Key findings included high restoration suitability in Nicaragua and Honduras, consistent underestimation of mangrove loss to aquaculture conversion, and varying effectiveness of protected areas between countries and designation types.