Building Blue Carbon Projects - An Introductory Guide

3 Blue Carbon Projects Though advancing globally, Blue Carbon is still very much developing, and not all Blue Carbon activities will be uniform. In fact, a rigid plan or template for Blue Carbon projects would likely be counterproductive as a flexible approach to project development better suites the varying conditions and objectives of potential projects worldwide. This section discusses the potential phases of a Blue Carbon approach, potential elements of Blue Carbon projects, and what types of projects are being advanced worldwide, based on the experiences of existing and planned Blue Carbon projects and other sources. The application of Blue Carbon can be generally broken down into four project phases: scoping, planning, demonstration, and implementation, illustrated in the following bullet points and in Figure 3. We recognize that the following descriptions are generalized and that some elements or activities may occur concurrently depending  on  a  project’s  objectives . The description of each phase centres on key aspects in project development. This guide principally focuses on the scoping and demonstration phases of Blue Carbon. involves establishing a foundation for Blue Carbon projects, including identifying stakeholders (Figure 4), targeted geographic area, habitat type, key issues, and developing overarching project goals. Planning phase : This phase addresses how a plan for a Blue Carbon demonstration project is designed. During this phase measurable objectives and clear overarching goals are set, potential project partners and funders are identified, and scientific methodologies 3.1 Phases of Blue Carbon Project Development Scoping phase : This phase

Phases of Blue Carbon Scoping - Establishing a Foundation for Blue Carbon Develop a common understanding of Blue Carbon Build interest, expand participation, and create settings for sectors and stakeholders to come together Identify target geographic areas of Blue Carbon ecosystems and key concerns/drivers of loss and degradation Take stock of existing management practices and scientific capacity Clearly illustrate the need for and scope of a potential project Potential deliverables : Workshop, Scoping Study Planning - Plan the Process Identify measurable objectives and set clear overarching goals Identify potential project partners Identify potential sources of funding Choose science methodologies for Blue Carbon assessment Implement Blue Carbon methodologies including in depth ecosystem assessments and geographic analysis Measure, evaluate, and adapt Evaluate governance options and legal frameworks to support multi-sectoral management Prioritize threats, evaluate management options, and examine trade-offs Continue to communicate and educate (policy and outreach) Potential deliverables : Assessment reports, PDD including governance options Implementation - Applying Blue Carbon Secure accreditation Secure sustainable financing for Blue Carbon implementation over time (via. carbon market, multi PES approach and/or other mechanism) Monitor, evaluate, and adapt Potential deliverables : secure and sustainable funding for the conservation and/or restoration of Blue Carbon habitats Figure 3 Phases of a Blue Carbon approach (adapted from UNEP, 2011). Potential deliverables : Project Proposal Demonstration - Testing Blue Carbon

Building Blue Carbon Projects An Introductory Guide

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