INDONESIAN BLUE CARBON

350 experts from around the world gathered in Manado, North Sulawesi, to participate in the International Blue Carbon Symposium (IBCS). Experts estimate that in the next 20 years, most of the carbon-absorbing blue ecosystems will disappear and their annual capacity to absorb carbon will also decline. For this ecosystem to maintain its current carbon sequestration capacity, there must be a reduction in carbon emissions of 4-8 percent by 2030, or 10 percent by 2050.

Ironically, this coastal habitat is experiencing degradation at a rate of around five to 10 times greater than the damage that occurred last year
damage to tropical forests. Climate change is a global issue caused by increasing levels of greenhouse gases due to burning fossil fuels, carbon emissions from land clearing, forest fires and agricultural activities including livestock.

This is also caused by a reduction in the ability of natural ecosystems to absorb and store carbon through photosynthesis, known as green carbon. There is also blue carbon, which is absorbed by marine and coastal ecosystems and accounts for more than 55 percent of global green carbon marine ecosystems. Blue carbon sinks include mangrove forests, swamps and seagrass, and their role is the same as tropical rainforests, as centers of biodiversity or centers of biodiversity, and as providers of high-capacity carbon sinks. Only a portion of the carbon sink is permanently stored in these marine environments, while most of the remainder will follow a recycling pattern and be released into the atmosphere over decades.

Currently, coastal ecosystems store carbon at levels equivalent to about a 25 percent annual increase in atmospheric carbon. Restoration of this blue carbon ecosystem will have an impact on ecosystem services, such as
increasing dissolved oxygen levels in coastal waters, restoring fish stocks and increasing the protection of coastal areas safe from extreme weather and storms. Indonesia is home to the Coral Triangle area, which accounts for 52 percent of the total area

of the world's coral reefs, mangrove forests cover around 3.15 million hectares, or 23 percent of the world's mangrove forest area. system and is capable of absorbing 122.2 million tons of carbon per year. Indonesia is also home to the world's largest population of 3.30 million hectares of seagrass which can absorb 16.11 million tonnes of carbon per year.

This degradation of coastal habitat often goes unnoticed and is also overlooked because it is located underwater. To restore the blue carbon absorbing ecosystem, there are several steps that must be taken. First, blue carbon market-based climate policy

This mechanism must be introduced. This mechanism will prioritize carbon funds. Through the Karbon Nusantara Scheme, Indonesia's carbon registration, verification and certification efforts for carbon sinks may be ready to enter the carbon market for compensation funding. For example, the value of a tonne of carbon on the carbon market varies between US$5 and $15. Indonesia's blue carbon potential is around 139 million tons per year and with an average price of $10 per ton, Indonesia can collect $1.39 billion per year from blue carbon trading alone.

Second, implement an effective management system to protect at least 80 percent of existing seagrass beds and brackish swamps and mangrove forests.

Third, introduce capacity development and training programs regarding blue carbon ecosystems to reduce damage and to support the restoration of blue carbon absorption capabilities.

Fourth, ensure food and livelihood security based on an integrated ecosystem approach to prepare the people living in the environment.

Coastal areas are ready to adapt due to changes in natural systems. The steps mentioned above should be taken seriously considering that the impacts are already starting to occur on the marine environment due to climate change, namely rising sea levels, ocean acidification, increasing frequency, intensity of extreme weather and decreasing
fishery resources. Indonesia is an archipelagic country with blue carbon potential which is capable of absorbing 139.77 million tons of carbon per year. This number will probably continue to increase through planting mangroves in barren coastal areas. Indonesia's coastal communities must gain maximum benefit from these efforts

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Photo: Tempo, Hendro Hioe