Topic Guide
Coastal ecosystems that store carbon and protect shorelines
Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems—especially mangroves, seagrass meadows, and tidal salt marshes. These habitats bury organic carbon in sediments for decades to millennia when left intact, while also buffering storms, filtering water, and providing nursery grounds for fisheries.
When these ecosystems are drained, dredged, or converted, stored carbon can be released back to the atmosphere. Protecting and restoring blue carbon habitats is therefore both a climate strategy and a biodiversity strategy.
Intact blue carbon ecosystems can store carbon at rates that rival or exceed many terrestrial forests on a per-area basis, making them high-value targets for conservation finance and national climate plans.
Healthy mangroves and marshes reduce flood risk, support seafood livelihoods, and create opportunities for community-led restoration that shares benefits fairly.
Prevent conversion of remaining mangrove and seagrass areas before carbon and biodiversity losses become irreversible.
Pair hydrology repair and native planting with long-term monitoring and community rights—not one-off planting events.
We treat Blue Carbon as a cross-cutting priority—linking science, community action, and durable policy so progress in one place can inform work worldwide.
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