“Blue carbon” is a term that refers to the carbon stored and sequestered in coastal and marine ecosystems. These ecosystems, primarily mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, are efficient carbon sinks, meaning they absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Key aspects of blue carbon include:

• Efficient Storage: Coastal ecosystems can sequester carbon at rates 10-50 times faster than tropical forests and store it for thousands of years.
• Carbon Reservoirs: The majority of the carbon in these ecosystems is stored in the sediment below the vegetation.
• Threats: Degradation or loss of these ecosystems can release the stored carbon, contributing to atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change.
• Conservation Importance: Preserving and restoring these ecosystems can play a pivotal role in climate change mitigation strategies.

In essence, blue carbon emphasizes the crucial climate role of coastal and marine ecosystems and the importance of their conservation.