The Abu Dhabi Blue Carbon Demonstration Project

Foreword

Since the publication of the landmark UNEP report, Blue Carbon - The Role of Healthy Oceans in Binding Carbon , the Blue Carbon concept has gained considerable attention amongst marine and coastal conservation practitioners and policy-makers the world over. Putting the vital services and functions of healthy coastal ecosystems and the associated benefits derived by people at the centre of management actions is of particular relevance for developing countries, where healthy nature is not only the wealth of the poor. Through a Blue Carbon approach inclusive of benefits such as the provision of food and material, the recognition of spiritual and cultural values, access to sustainable livelihoods and the protection from extreme weather events, we work with coastal communities to protect an environment that lies at the root of meeting their daily needs. Working with AGEDI on the Abu Dhabi Blue Carbon Demonstration Project was an inspiring opportunity to develop cutting edge science and expertise to further serve local, regional and international efforts for the conservation of Blue Carbon ecosystems. Through our interactions with the global Blue Carbon community, and through the GEF Blue Forests Project in particular, GRID-Arendal will continue to make the findings and experiences of this success story available to support the wide application of the Blue Carbon concept for the benefit of the people, from coastal communities to our global society.

Dr. Peter Lutz Prokosch Managing Director GRID-Arendal, Norway

Project Team

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