Building Blue Carbon Projects - An Introductory Guide

3.3 Elements of Existing Demonstration Projects

A Blue Carbon demonstration project essentially involves the testing of methodologies and approaches for valuing Blue Carbon at a specific project site and exploring and providing mechanisms for improving ecosystem management based on this value. A demonstration project can examine suitability for the carbon market and anticipated greenhouse gas benefits, in addition to other technical, financial, and legal considerations. Elements of existing Blue Carbon projects presented in this section are derived primarily from the Abu Dhabi Blue Carbon Demonstration Project (Case Study 8.1), the project preparation grant (PPG) phase of the GEF Blue Forests Project (Case Study 8.6) and the Plan Vivo certified Mikoko Pamoja Project (Case Study 8.2). Input from the other case studies presented in Section 8 and projects has also been considered. Blue Carbon demonstrations are expected to vary in scope and size. The case studies we draw on for the elements presented here range from the relatively small scale (i.e., the mangrove carbon exploration of an area of just over 100 hectares in Gazi Bay, Kenya (Case Study 8.2)) to the relatively large scale (i.e., the exploration of carbon, the valuation of ecosystem services and other project components for mangroves, seagrass and saltwater marsh ecosystems in Abu Dhabi (Case Study 8.1)). It is important to note that these approaches are not mutually exclusive. The following proposed Blue Carbon demonstration project elements illustrate potential common elements. The project elements are arranged under two central themes: 1. Improving understanding , which includes activities focused on the application of methodologies and approaches to better understand the value of Blue Carbon, such as the following elements: Carbon Assessment Geographic Analysis and Ground Truthing Ecosystem Services Assessment Policy and Management Assessment Communication and Outreach Blue Carbon Viability Assessment Project Management and Coordination 2. Improving capacity and ecosystem management , which includes activities designed to utilize the value of Blue Carbon to improve coastal ecosystem management along with enhancing capacity where needed to sustain this approach, such as the following elements: Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer Policy and Management Engagement

It is important to note that project elements are expected to differ according to each national setting, need and project context for potential Blue Carbon demonstration projects

Building Blue Carbon Projects An Introductory Guide

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