At the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the Indonesian government officially unveiled its Blue Carbon Ecosystem Roadmap and Action Guidelines, a strategic document designed to integrate coastal and marine ecosystems fully into the country’s climate mitigation and adaptation policies. The launch was led by key ministries including Marine Affairs and Fisheries and Environment, with aims to embed blue carbon contributions into Indonesia’s national carbon economic system and burgeoning carbon market. The initiative builds on Indonesia’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution (SNDC) submitted to the UNFCCC, signalling stronger recognition of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and tidal salt marshes as crucial climate assets.
Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, which are often far more efficient at sequestering carbon than terrestrial forests due to dense organic soil storage. Globally, these ecosystems play a significant role in mitigating climate change by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it long-term in sediments and plant biomass. Indonesia, which contains some of the world’s largest mangrove and coastal habitats, stands to benefit significantly, both ecologically and economically, by strengthening protection of these ecosystems.
The roadmap provides policy directions, coordinated actions, and frameworks for science, monitoring, and finance to protect, restore, and sustainably manage blue carbon ecosystems. It also aligns with Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025, which strengthens Indonesia’s Carbon Economic Value framework and helps integrate blue carbon into national carbon trading and results-based financing. By doing so, mangrove and seagrass conservation can potentially unlock additional revenue streams through carbon markets while enhancing biodiversity, coastal resilience, and local sustainable livelihoods.
Indonesia’s move reflects a broader push by several countries to include nature-based solutions in their climate portfolios, recognizing blue carbon ecosystems as not only mitigation tools but also key components of coastal protection and sustainable development. Experts note that while Indonesia’s policy frameworks are advancing, implementation will require strong engagement with coastal communities, robust measurement and reporting systems, and long-term financing to ensure tangible outcomes for both climate and local economies.
(Sources: Antara News; ObserverID)
