Product walkthrough, trial, POCs, enterprise offering, support and more. Speak with one of our specialists.
Climate changes
When discussing solutions to climate change, our minds often go to tropical rainforests or reducing industrial emissions. However, there is an incredibly effective yet lesser-known carbon sink: coastal ecosystems. These overlooked coastal environments act as nature’s silent climate allies—absorbing and locking away vast quantities of carbon in their soils and vegetation. Often hidden beneath the waves or tucked along shorelines, these ecosystems quietly outperform even some of the world’s largest forests in their carbon storage capabilities. The carbon they absorb and store is known as Blue Carbon, a powerful yet underutilized tool in the global fight against climate change.
Blue Carbon is the term for the organic carbon captured and locked away by coastal plant ecosystems—like mangroves, seagrass, and salt marshes—that act as natural climate regulators. These plants absorb carbon through photosynthesis, storing it in their roots, stems, leaves, and especially the sediment below.
Thanks to continuous growth and sediment accumulation, carbon in coastal ecosystems can remain locked away for hundreds or even thousands of years. This process is known as carbon sequestration, where carbon is removed from the atmosphere and stored long-term in marine sediment.
Blue Carbon ecosystems are globally widespread—present on all continents except Antarctica—and collectively cover about 50 million hectares, or almost twice the size of the United Kingdom. In Indonesia, which holds the world’s largest mangrove area[Ref], these ecosystems present a significant opportunity for large-scale carbon storage.
Key Blue Carbon Ecosystems
Blue carbon ecosystems play a vital role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. These coastal and marine habitats not only serve as powerful carbon sinks but also provide essential ecological functions that support biodiversity, protect shorelines, and sustain local economies. The primary types of blue carbon ecosystems include:
Benefits of Blue Carbon
Beyond their role as critical carbon sinks, blue carbon ecosystems deliver a wide range of co-benefits that extend far beyond climate mitigation alone. These ecosystems provide essential services that contribute to coastal resilience, ecosystem health, and the wellbeing of surrounding communities. The key benefits include:
Threats to Blue Carbon Ecosystems
Unfortunately, Blue Carbon potential is under threat. In the past 50 years, 25–50% of vegetated coastal areas have been lost due to:
When damaged, these ecosystems can release previously stored carbon back into the atmosphere, worsening climate change.
Science and Technology Behind Blue Carbon
Scientists use a range of techniques to measure carbon stored in coastal sediments, including sediment core sampling, where long tubes collect sediment layers. Institutions like the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories use nuclear and isotopic techniques (e.g., Pb-210 and Cs-137) to determine sedimentation and carbon accumulation rates over recent decades[Ref]. These methods offer valuable data on the effectiveness of carbon storage in coastal ecosystems.
Blue Carbon as a Nature-based Climate Solution
Investing in the preservation and restoration of Blue Carbon ecosystems is a powerful nature-based solution that aligns with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By protecting coastal areas such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes, we prevent the release of vast amounts of carbon stored in their deep soils, carbon that could otherwise accelerate climate change if disturbed. At the same time, these ecosystems act as natural buffers against coastal disasters, reducing the risk of storm surges and erosion while enhancing the climate resilience of nearby communities. Furthermore, healthy coastal ecosystems play a vital role in supporting food security through sustainable fisheries and contribute to local economies by providing livelihoods for millions of people who depend on marine resources.
With over 3 million hectares of mangroves, Indonesia holds the world’s largest Blue Carbon reserves[Ref]. Priority regions such as Kalimantan, Papua, and Sumatra’s coastal areas are focal points for restoration and conservation.
The government, alongside NGOs and international partners, has launched initiatives to restore mangroves and seagrass meadows, while integrating Blue Carbon strategies into national climate policies.
What Can We Do?
Protecting coastal ecosystems is a shared responsibility. Simple actions like:
are meaningful steps to ensure Blue Carbon remains intact and actively helps mitigate the climate crisis.
Conclusion
Blue Carbon is more than a scientific term; —it represents hope for a balanced future between humanity and nature. By conserving coastal ecosystems, we are not only protecting shorelines but also securing one of the Earth’s most vital climate buffers.
Jejakin’s green programs combine high-tech monitoring, biodiversity restoration, and community-led initiatives to deliver powerful, sustainable change across ecosystems.
