Rediscovering 'Blue Carbon': The Marine Ecosystem as the Key to Carbon Neutrality

Beyond terrestrial forests, the ocean is now being recognized as a powerful carbon sink. As 'Blue Carbon' emerges as a key strategy for addressing the climate crisis, marine ecosystem conservation and restoration projects are gaining momentum worldwide.

Blue Carbon refers to the carbon absorbed and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds.

The potential of Blue Carbon is beyond imagination. Experts estimate that the carbon absorption rate of Blue Carbon ecosystems is up to 50 times faster than that of terrestrial forests.

Additionally, while terrestrial ecosystems primarily store carbon in the trees themselves, Blue Carbon ecosystems have the advantage of being able to store carbon deep in the soil for thousands of years, allowing for permanent sequestration.

Despite its importance, Blue Carbon has not been adequately recognized in international carbon reduction mechanisms due to the lack of standardized measurement and verification (MRV) methodologies.

However, recent advancements in satellite image analysis and marine sediment analysis technologies are rapidly changing the situation.

In September, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) approved new guidelines that allow Blue Carbon to be officially included in national greenhouse gas reduction targets (NDCs).

This means that Blue Carbon projects can now enter the carbon credit trading market, laying the groundwork for significant private capital to flow into marine ecosystem conservation.

Our country is also moving quickly. The vast tidal flats of the southwestern coast are a global Blue Carbon resource.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced plans to absorb an additional 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually through tidal flat and salt marsh restoration projects by 2030.

This is a multipurpose project that not only increases carbon absorption but also enhances the biodiversity of tidal flats and contributes to the income of local fishermen.

However, challenges remain. Uncontrolled coastal development and rising sea levels due to climate change are the biggest threats to Blue Carbon ecosystems. There is also a risk that stored carbon could be released back into the atmosphere.

While Blue Carbon is not a panacea for solving the climate crisis, it is undoubtedly one of the most powerful tools in nature-based solutions (NBS).

It is time to shift our perception of the ocean from a target for development to a valuable asset that enhances the resilience of the Earth.

Restoring the health of marine ecosystems is the most certain way to lower the Earth's temperature.