Blue Carbon

Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems and stored in biomass and sediments. Coastal ecosystems that store blue carbon include mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes. These coastal habitats have high carbon absorption and storage capacities that help mitigate climate change.

Importance of Coastal Ecosystems

Unlike most land ecosystems that reach carbon equilibrium quickly, blue carbon accumulation in coastal ecosystems can continue for thousands of years. However, when these ecosystems are degraded or destroyed, stored carbon can be released back into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to climate change. Because blue carbon reservoirs are substantial and vulnerable, better protecting coastal ecosystems is important for climate change mitigation.

Threats to Blue Carbon

Coastal ecosystems are being destroyed at an alarming rate, driven by human activities like deforestation, shrimp farming, and development. The loss of mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes releases stored carbon and reduces future carbon sequestration capacity. Pollution and reduced freshwater flows that increase salinity also threaten blue carbon habitats like mangrove forests.

Case Study: Sundarbans Mangroves

A study found that the Sundarbans mangrove forests are rapidly losing their capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Key reasons identified:

• Increased water salinity due to reduced freshwater flows into rivers like the Matla
• Mangrove deforestation reducing forest extent and tree heights
• Shrimp farming and pollution placing pressure on the ecosystem

Protecting Blue Carbon

Strategies to protect blue carbon include:

• Restoring freshwater flows and reducing pollution levels
• Preventing clearance of coastal wetlands for development
• Sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture
• Community mangrove planting and protection programs

Prioritizing conservation of blue carbon ecosystems like the Sundarbans can help mitigate climate change while supporting local communities that rely on these habitats.

International Blue Carbon Initiative

The International Blue Carbon Initiative is a coordinated, global program focused on mitigating climate change through the conservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems. The Blue Carbon Initiative focuses on mangroves, salt marshes and seagrasses, which are found on every continent except Antarctica.