Insights from the Blue Carbon Seminar at EAS Congress 2024

The Seminar on Blue Carbon Policy, Regulation, and Technology brought together leading experts, policymakers, and researchers to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time—climate change. Hosted by key organizations, including the China Institute for Marine Affairs (CIMA), PEMSEA Resource Facility, and others, the event explored innovative approaches to leveraging blue carbon ecosystems for climate mitigation and resilience.

Key Takeaways

The Role of Blue Carbon in Climate Action

Blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, play a crucial role in sequestering carbon and mitigating climate impacts. However, they remain underfunded and undervalued within current climate frameworks. This seminar focused on legal, policy, and technological advancements needed to unlock their full potential.

Expert Perspectives

The event featured nine presentations from esteemed experts, covering diverse topics like climate policies, blue carbon monitoring, and carbon sequestration technologies. Highlights included:

• Mediterranean Insights: Dr. Anthoine Grima from the University of Malta emphasized the importance of tailored legal frameworks for climate action in Mediterranean island contexts.

• Sri Lankan Progress: Prof. Dimuthu Wijeyaratne shared how Sri Lanka is integrating blue carbon into its environmental policies to enhance resilience and conservation.

• Innovative Credits from Japan: Dr. Atsushi Watanabe introduced Japan’s Blue Carbon Credit (J-Blue Credit®) system, which incentivizes sustainable practices while contributing to carbon neutrality.

• Global and Regional Developments: Dr. Michael Abundo of OceanPixel provided insights into the growing demand for blue carbon markets in Asia, highlighting opportunities for regional collaboration.

Discussions on Financial Mechanisms and Certification

A panel discussion highlighted the importance of financial modalities and certification standards to ensure the sustainability of blue carbon initiatives. Frameworks like PEMSEA’s regional blue carbon certification aim to provide incentives for conservation and sustainable management.

Technology Advancements in Blue Carbon Accounting

Technological innovations are paving the way for better monitoring and accounting of blue carbon ecosystems. Dr. Yuxing Wang presented recent developments in China, while Ms. Kristina Di Ticman from PEMSEA emphasized the need for a unified approach in East and Southeast Asia. These advancements ensure that conservation efforts align with global standards and facilitate cross-border collaboration.

Dr. Keita Furukawa, Technical Session Chair from PEMSEA, wrapped up the seminar with a call for continued regional cooperation and innovation. By sharing best practices and fostering dialogue, stakeholders can create scalable and sustainable solutions to combat climate change through blue carbon ecosystems.

OceanPixel is proud to support such initiatives and remains committed to advancing sustainable ocean-based solutions.

Stay tuned for more updates on OceanPixel’s involvement in sustainable ocean solutions.