At COP28, the Australian Government recommitted to restoring and protecting global blue carbon ecosystems including mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes.
Mangroves, marsh and seagrass environments are superstars in capturing carbon in our atmosphere. They also provide homes for threatened marine species, support food security for coastal communities and improve water quality.
Through Australia's partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over $3 million in grants will be delivered from the Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund. There are currently four new projects across the Indo-Pacific. All will centre on conserving and repairing blue carbon ecosystems.
Funding will support local communities, restoration work and research for coastal ecosystems. They will focus on strengthening community engagement and positive ecosystem results.
Australia also joined other members of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (including Indonesia, Fiji, Japan and the United States of America), in a recommitment to ocean and climate action. The declaration reiterates our commitment to sustainably manage 100% of our national waters to safeguard the long-term health of our ocean and coasts.
Australia also signed up to a new partnership with Japan through the International Partnership for Blue Carbon, supported the Mangrove Breakthrough and will continue to work with the IUCN and Indo-Pacific partners to repair and protect nature in Australia and around the world.
