Blue carbon refers to the important role that some coastal habitats play in naturally storing greenhouse gasses, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. Blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, saltwater marshes and seagrass meadows, are also recognized for their natural beauty, and ability to filter pollution, house fish nurseries and buffer shorelines against storms. The sustainable management of these ecosystems can improve livelihoods, and help mitigate and increase resilience to climate change.
UNEP/GRID-Arendal aims to promote the sustainable management of coastal blue carbon ecosystems through approaches focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation, sustainable tourism, the recognition and valuation of coastal ecosystem services, and sustainable management practices.
Activities and function
UNEP/GRID-Arendal has blue carbon competency in the following areas:
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Blue carbon assessments
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Information and education services
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Knowledge and stakeholder networking
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Capacity building and training services
Regional approach
UNEP/GRID-Arendal employs a regional approach for blue carbon, with a focus on capacity building and developing countries. We actively explore partnerships and support UNEP’s mission and blue carbon initiative. Our present efforts include an evaluation of what blue carbon can mean for the following regions:
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Asia/Pacific (& the Coral Triangle)
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West Africa
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Arabian Peninsula