Blue Carbon

Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, primarily in
plants and sediments within mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses. These ecosystems
are highly efficient at sequestering and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
helping to mitigate climate change. Blue carbon ecosystems are estimated to sequester
carbon at rates much higher than terrestrial forests per unit area, making them
significant carbon sinks.

Mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses capture atmospheric carbon through

photosynthesis, and the carbon is then stored in their biomass as well as in the soils and
sediments below. When these ecosystems are degraded or destroyed, such as through
deforestation or coastal development, the stored carbon is released back into the
atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

Conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems have gained attention as a

nature-based solution for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Protecting existing
mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, as well as restoring degraded habitats, can
help to enhance carbon sequestration and storage, while also providing numerous other
ecological and socio-economic benefits, such as coastal protection, biodiversity
conservation, and support for fisheries.