Building Blue Carbon Projects - An Introductory Guide

Key Messages and Recommendations 1. Even though the application of Blue Carbon principles is in the introductory phase there are strong indications that Blue Carbon projects can work to fulfil the dual climate change mitigation and enhanced coastal ecosystem value purposes.It is being recognised in coastal ecosystem policy and management in Abu Dhabi and applied in the first registered Blue Carbon project in Kenya (both are discussed in this guide). 2. There is no rigid template for Blue Carbon projects and there should not be: A flexible approach to project development best suits the varying conditions and objectives of potential projects around the world, even as some common global metrics should be developed for monitoring and evaluation. 3. Potential Blue Carbon projects need to have a high likelihood of sustainability and success for improving ecosystem management through offset generation, conservation agreements, or other mechanisms that apply the value of Blue Carbon and use it for the benefit of coastal ecosystems over the long term. 4. Clear objectives and stakeholder expectations for Blue Carbon projects should be identified early in the project planning process. It is important not to oversell the potential financial viability of a Blue Carbon project. 5. Blue Carbon project planning and implementation process must include constant engagement with stakeholders to keep partners informed about project progress, especially regarding policy and management activities. 6. Project success and longevity can be better assured if in-country project proponents are equipped with relevant skills: Blue Carbon capacity building should be prioritized across all levels, ranging from field scientists and local community organization to the private sector and government representatives. 7. It will be most useful to global coastal management strategies if the data produced from Blue Carbon projects is comparable to data produced by other international restoration and protection efforts, especially if it is hoped that Blue Carbon concepts can be introduced to such efforts. 8. The option of combining Blue Carbon with other ecosystem services valuation should be kept open to provide multiple potential values that can support conservation activities. 9. Blue Carbon project developers have the opportunity to learn from the challenges and successful outcomes from REDD+ projects that feature similar project elements. 10. A ‘ridge  to  reef’  approach for Blue Carbon projects could help protect connected corridors between Blue Carbon habitats and coral reefs and maintain the resilience and productivity of greater marine and coastal ecosystems.

Building Blue Carbon Projects An Introductory Guide

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