Blue carbon supports people, nature, and climate
There is an urgent need for concerted, comprehensive climate action that leverages the power of the global economy whilst serving to benefit local communities.
Mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes can store up to five times more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests, and large-scale protection and restoration of theses ecosystems could remove around 3% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Yet, carbon storage is just one of many benefits that these ecosystems provide. They supply coastal communities with livelihoods and income, provide robust defenses against floods and storms, and boost biodiversity. These benefits make these ecosystems highly valuable in both intrinsic and economic terms. It’s essential we recognise this value.
The challenge and opportunity of blue carbon
Governments are increasingly integrating blue carbon into their policy goals, as they can help fulfill Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and public and private organizations around the world are seeking to get involved in the blue carbon market.
In parallel, high-quality blue carbon projects are being recognised for their stackable benefits, offering social and environmental investment in the form of nature-positive, sustainable fisheries and infrastructure that all lead to blue carbon ecosystem conservation and restoration.
Friends of Ocean Action
Friends of Ocean Action is a group of ocean leaders, convened by the Ocean Action Agenda at the World Economic Forum. Members are focused on fast-tracking solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the ocean in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14, “Life Below Water.”
Mangroves Working Group
The Mangrove Working Group raises ambition and delivers action towards the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests. The group enables companies and investors to contribute to the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests with support from non-profit actors that provide complementary expertise and networks.
The UK Government’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) programme will provide up to £4 million in funding to BCAP. The COAST programme forms part of the UK’s £500 million Blue Planet Fund, which aims to protect and enhance the marine environment and reduce poverty. The Blue Planet Fund is led by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
