Authors:
Catherine Lovelock, PhD
Publication Date:
2022
Abstract/Summary:
Restoration of coastal wetlands has the potential to deliver climate change mitigation, or blue carbon, and adaptation benefits to coastal communities, as well as supporting biodiversity and providing additional ecosystem services. Valuing carbon sequestration may incentivise restoration projects, however, it requires development of rigorous methods for quantifying blue carbon sequestered during coastal wetland restoration. In this session we describe the development of a blue accounting method (Tidal Restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems Methodology Determination 2022) for Australia’s voluntary carbon market scheme. A conservative modelled approach was developed to estimate carbon abatement (as opposed to on-ground measurements) to reduce the costs associated with monitoring and verification for and to increase participation in blue carbon projects by Australian landholders. The modelled approach encompasses multiple climate regions and plant communities and may be useful to others outside Australia seeking to value blue carbon benefits from coastal wetland restoration. We also describe components of the accounting method intended to reduce risks and emerging limitations and solutions for implementation.
Resource Type:
Webinar
Pre-approved for CECs under SER's CERP program
Source:
SER