Background

Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics and support numerous ecosystem services. The carbon stored in coastal ecosystems – mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses – is called blue carbon. When degraded or lost, blue carbon ecosystems can become significant emission sources. Mangrove deforestation is estimated to be around as much as 10 percent of global deforestation emissions. These ecosystems can play an important role in reducing emissions, while also supporting biodiversity conservation and protecting coastlines. Coastal ecosystems are also vital as fishery habitats and their protection aids communities and their livelihoods.

Objectives

The parallel panel on the subtheme “Mangroves and Blue Carbon” aims to discuss:

1. Causes, patterns and consequences of change in mangrove ecosystems
2. Roles of mangroves in livelihoods and ecosystem conservation
3. Conservation, sustainable management and use of mangrove, and the promotion of effective mangrove restoration, including regional initiatives
4. Blue carbon after the Paris Agreement and the role of international partnerships for blue carbon, including greenhouse gas estimations

Expected Outcomes

1. Lessons learned from the region
2. Better understanding of blue carbon
3. Informed policy options towards implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation under the Paris Agreement
4. Identify actions towards sustainable mangrove management

Agenda

•  Community based management of mangrove ecosystems
•  Mangrove blue carbon assessments and lessons from the field
•  Blue carbon in the Pacific: Background and opportunities