Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund

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Advancing blue carbon conservation and restoration in developing countries

The Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF) supports the development of blue carbon restoration and conservation projects in developing countries and helps pave the way for private sector finance.

The Blue Carbon Accelerator Fund (BCAF), established by the Australian Government in partnership with IUCN, is a dedicated funding initiative to increase the conservation and restoration of coastal blue carbon ecosystems to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Inspired by the work of the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) and addressing barriers identified by the International Partnership for Blue Carbon (IPBC), the BCAF seeks to accelerate efforts to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.

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Quick info

BCAF support spans 12 impactful projects
Operating across 7 countries to enhance blue natural capital

View the complete list of BCAF-supported projects

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Knowledge Center

Tools, case studies, and insights to support the development and implementation of sustainable blue natural capital projects.

How are we making an impact?

The BCAF focuses on increasing the global supply of investment-ready blue carbon restoration projects and enhancing the business case for financing by applying measurement approaches that value the climate, biodiversity and livelihood benefits of these ecosystems.

Our approach includes:

Readiness support

Supports project developers with activities to get projects ready for implementation and future private sector finance – growing the global portfolio of credible and investment-ready blue carbon projects.

Implementation support

Supports on-the-ground blue carbon ecosystem restoration or conservation projects that will demonstrate and measure climate, biodiversity and livelihood benefits – enhancing the business case for private sector investment in blue carbon ecosystems.

Project assistance

BCAF supported projects will also have access to technical guidance, collaborative networks and exposure to opportunities for future financing.

Who’s behind the BCAF?

The BCAF is funded by the Australian Government and delivered in partnership with IUCN. It was inspired by the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) work and addresses barriers identified by the International Partnership for Blue Carbon (IPBC), which aims to accelerate blue carbon protection.

Why blue carbon ecosystems?

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems are environments that support mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses. They are one of nature’s superheros in the fight against climate change playing a crucial role as carbon sinks, sequestering and storing large amounts of carbon. They also provide significant benefits to protecting biodiversity and supporting livelihoods.

Jake Mason, Ocean Image Bank Aerial view of traditional kayaks and an open-water swimmer moving through clear turquoise waters.

Jenny Stock, Ocean Image Bank Aerial view of a lush green wetland with winding waterways and scattered vegetation.

David Gross, Ocean Image Ban Aerial view of traditional kayaks and an open-water swimmer moving through clear turquoise waters.

Carbon benefits

The term ‘blue carbon’ recognizes the ability of these ecosystems to capture and store large amounts of carbon in their soils, roots, and plants, making them a significant ‘carbon sink.’ Mangroves store three to five times more carbon per area than terrestrial forests, so restoring and protecting coastal ecosystems is essential. Sadly, these ecosystems are often destroyed to make way for development, which releases vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, fueling climate change further.

Ecosystem benefits

Coastal ecosystems are some of the most productive on earth. They are home to significant biodiversity and provide many ecosystem services, such as essential breeding grounds for commercial fish, habitat for threatened marine species such as turtles and dugongs, feeding and staging grounds for migratory birds, stabilized shorelines, and purifying water flowing into our ocean and reef systems. They also form the basis of many tourist destinations, generating income from ecotourism activities.

Community benefits

Coastal blue carbon ecosystems play a vital role in food security and sustaining coastal livelihoods by supporting fishing and tourism businesses. They also provide a natural barrier that can reduce the impact of storm surges and infrastructure damage and protect lives. Communities' involvement in the setup, management, and execution of carbon restoration projects is crucial to ensuring the longevity of protection. Restoration projects can also directly benefit communities through local job creation.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) harnesses the experience, resources and reach of our more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of more than 18,000 experts. This diversity and vast expertise makes IUCN the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.