Kickstarting Blue Carbon projects in the Asia Pacific

Despite being an emerging arena, the Blue Carbon industry is rapidly evolving in Australia to meet national emissions reduction goals. To keep pace with this swift market growth there is a deep need for stakeholders to meet, exchange experiences and knowledge share. 

Attendees of the three-day workshop came from around the Asia-Pacific region and included organizations such as Traditional Owner groups, federal, state, and local government, NGOs, private industry experts, and universities.

The Blue Carbon economy is attracting significant attention because of the impressive carbon sequestration rates delivered by ‘blue’ ecosystems, being wetlands, mangroves, seagrass and saltmarsh. Carbon credits can be generated and sold on the carbon market, attracting investors and buyers alike. 

In Australia blue carbon credits can be generated by restoring tidal flow, but the benefits of wetland restoration go far deeper than carbon credit creation alone. Coastal communities around the world are directly reliant on blue carbon ecosystems for their wellbeing, livelihoods and daily needs. Fish, crabs, turtles and other aquatic species on the Great Barrier Reef need blue carbon ecosystems for their survival.

The Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Blue Carbon Director Will Hamill facilitated a panel discussion with project leads from different blue carbon sites. These sites all have varying land tenures, legislative requirements, hydrological and ecological characteristics. "No two blue carbon projects are the same" says Will.

“However, it’s important to learn from past experiences to ensure that we’re setting ourselves up for success. Coming together like this allows us to hear lessons learned, workshop solutions and take the best approach forward to overcome challenges we may face.” 

Indigenous representatives from Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, Gidarjil Development Corporation and Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation were supported by The Great Barrier Reef Foundation to attend the event. 

“Blue Carbon markets are rapidly emerging as significant opportunities to empower Indigenous groups in the management of Sea Country and this opportunity can only be realised with a strong foundation of Indigenous engagement” says Will. “It was great to have Reef Traditional Owners attend this event to share and exchange knowledge with attendees”. 

Indeed, ensuring that Traditional Owner groups are at the forefront of blue carbon project design, creation and implementation was one of the key takeaway messages from the workshop.