Indonesian authorities to create blue carbon reserves

The Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries is preparing 17 areas for the creation of national strategic blue carbon reserves – ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seaweed and tidal swamps that can accumulate and store carbon. This was reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.

Such ecosystems make a significant contribution to environmental protection, while the destruction of coastal areas can lead to the release of large amounts of accumulated carbon back into the atmosphere in a short period of time.

Director General of Marine Spatial Planning Kartika Listriana, the initiative reflects the country's commitment to nature conservation and support for coastal communities. According to her, some areas, especially on the north coast of Central and East Java, will be given priority in ecosystem restoration.

The project will also be integrated with the development of large coastal agglomerations, including the Greater Jakarta, East Java, and Central Java areas, and there are plans to create carbon-neutral islands in the province of Bangka Belitung.

According to scientists, seaweed can retain up to 82,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per square kilometre, opening up opportunities for Indonesia to enter the international carbon market.

Photo: Wan Yong Chong / iStock