Page
x
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.
