Blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, sea grasses, and salt marshes, are nature’s most effective carbon sinks, sequestering carbon at a rate 10 times greater than mature tropical forests. They also store more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests. Mangroves alone can store over 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare. However, their restoration is hindered by policy and economic bottlenecks, including the use of blue carbon credits, which are often complex and expensive to verify. Additionally, corruption and mismanagement within government agencies, such as the Bangladesh Forest Department, can also hinder conservation efforts. On the other hand, innovations such as the Blue Carbon Method in Australia and the use of technology, including AI and blockchain, can streamline the process of restoring coastal ecosystems. The economic benefits of restoring blue carbon ecosystems include job creation, sustainable tourism, and fisheries safety. With an estimated market potential of $50 billion by 2030, investments in blue carbon restoration can yield significant economic returns, with every $1 invested returning $6 in economic benefits, according to the OECD.
Ecosystems of mangroves and coasts play a crucial role in carbon capture and storage.
