Mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses are important and efficient carbon sinks and play a key role in curbing the effects of climate change by sequestrating atmospheric carbon in both the plants and the sediment below.
Protecting Mangroves for Blue Carbon in Kubu Raya, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Sustainable Blue Carbon Solutions in Kubu Raya
Climate change is leading to rising sea levels around the world. This has become a growing concern for coastal and insular regions such as Indonesia.
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Forest Carbon aims to conserve mangrove forests in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
This region is one of the most important forest cover areas in the country and is home to a wealth of globally significant biodiversity that support numerous indigenous and other local communities. More than 10% of East Kalimantan’s remaining forest cover was lost over the past decade, due primarily to the expansion of oil palm plantations, timber plantations, and mining.
The development of this blue carbon project in the Kubu Raya District, which leverages international voluntary carbon markets, would allow for the full protection of the project area for 30 years and strengthen the local economy through job creation.
If Forest Carbon’s assessment can demonstrate a technically and financially viable project, the surrounding landscape also presents a compelling investment case, with opportunities to expand the protected area and its multiple endangered and endemic species by launching additional blue carbon projects.
How BNCFF supports the endeavour
Funding from BNCFF is helping the project to carry out a full feasibility assessment of three mangrove areas in the Kandelia Alam (KLIA) landscape, a coastal mangrove ecosystem in West Kalimantan spanning more than 20,000 hectares. This assessment would prepare the project for commercial investment.
BNCFF support aims to raise investment capital for a long-term project that will implement conservation measures on the ground and generate carbon credits. Such support will lead to the launch of long-term efforts to protect the unique endemic species of Western Kalimantan and their increasingly threatened habitat.
Impacts created
Nature
Conserving mangrove forests in Kubu Raya will enhance carbon sequestration and strengthen local ecosystems vital for marine life. This protection ensures the resilience of biodiversity-rich habitats, supporting species that depend on mangroves for shelter, feeding, and breeding.
People
Improved mangrove conservation will enhance community livelihoods through quality job creation and healthier environmental conditions. Diversifying income sources, such as honey production and other sustainable ventures, will further benefit residents while promoting resilience.
Business
Carbon credit sales will sustain long-term conservation efforts, benefiting local communities and authorities. By leveraging carbon markets, this project ensures economic incentives align with preserving and restoring West Kalimantan’s vital mangrove ecosystems.
Calls for Proposals
There are no open calls for proposals. Sign up for email alerts to be notified of the next call and receive updates on BNCFF and BCAF projects, lessons learned, and more, or email us at bluenaturalcapital@iucn.org.
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