Vanuatu Hosts First Blue Carbon Policy Consultations

23 April 2024, Port Vila, Vanuatu – The Vanuatu Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation hosted its first stakeholder consultation for the country’s Blue Carbon Policy yesterday in Port Vila.

The proposed Vanuatu Blue Carbon Ecosystems Policy is earmarked to protect Vanuatu’s blue carbon ecosystems. Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems like mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows. These ecosystems can capture and store over five times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests and are increasingly recognised for their vital role in climate change mitigation.

Mr David Gibson, Director General, Ministry of Climate Change, highlighted the importance of seagrass and mangroves as carbon sinks for the country and stated that the consultations mark a crucial step toward protecting and restoring these ecosystems.

“Our vision is to integrate blue carbon into our national climate agenda in a way that empowers local communities, respects traditional knowledge, and attracts sustainable investment. This policy will help ensure that coastal ecosystems are not only protected but actively contribute to our future prosperity and climate ambitions. The conservation of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems are critical to Vanuatu as one of the few net carbon-negative countries in the world,” Gibson shared.

“Vanuatu, as a large ocean state, is sending a big signal that Pacific countries are ready to lead on nature-based solutions. The Blue Carbon Ecosystems Policy is not only about protecting carbon sinks; it’s about unlocking economic opportunities, strengthening food security and fisheries, and building resilience within our communities.”

MACBLUE Project Director Mr Raphael Linzatti shared that the launch of these consultations is a milestone for Vanuatu and the broader Pacific region.

“Through the MACBLUE project, we’re proud to support this initiative that combines science, traditional knowledge, and policy to protect blue carbon ecosystems. It is key that the policy is backed by up-to-date scientific knowledge and data, which is currently being generated by our project partners SPREP and SPC, who are well-positioned to support the policy,” Linzatti shared.

“Globally, there is increasing recognition of the role of blue carbon in climate mitigation. Their conservation is crucial to reaching the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, one of the reasons why the German Government, through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), is supporting this process.”

Ms Rolenas Tavue Baereleo, Principal Biodiversity and Conservation Officer at Vanuatu’s Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation, noted the consultation is a pivotal step in shaping a policy that reflects the voices, needs, and aspirations of the Vanuatu people.

“Our coastal ecosystems are not just carbon sinks; they are cultural treasures and lifelines for our people. Developing a strong Blue Carbon Policy, that is aligned with international and national policies and is locally led, allows us to honour traditional stewardship while equipping ourselves to meet the challenges of a changing climate.”