New Global Priorities for Blue Carbon Science
Several C‑BLUES members have contributed to an important new international study that outlines where blue carbon research and action should focus in the coming decade. The work reflects how quickly this field has evolved, as scientists now look beyond the traditional trio of mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses to include other coastal and marine habitats that help store carbon and support thriving coastal ecosystems.
Putting People and Knowledge Systems First
The authors stress that meaningful blue carbon management must be shaped by the perspectives and expertise of coastal communities. Durable outcomes require genuine inclusion in planning processes, recognition of traditional practices, and strong, transparent relationships among scientific, governmental, and community actors.
Key Priority Areas
The assessment points to several focus areas where new research and practical tools are urgently required for advancing effective, high‑integrity blue carbon action:
Developing cost‑effective, scalable restoration approaches
Increasing the accuracy of greenhouse gas flux measurements
Understanding how human activities influence coastal carbon cycling
Incorporating biodiversity, coastal protection, and other co‑benefits into natural capital assessments
New Technologies Opening Doors
Remote sensing, machine learning and open data platforms are highlighted as transformative tools for improving mapping, monitoring and decision‑making in blue carbon ecosystems.