Blue carbon is a vital source of natural carbon sinks and a key strategy in Taiwan’s journey toward net-zero transformation. On the 24th, the Ministry of Environment approved two blue carbon methodologies: seagrass restoration and mangrove afforestation. The Ocean Affairs Council stated that these methodologies not only provide scientific foundations and practical guidance for blue carbon development, but also mark a major milestone in institutionalizing blue carbon policy.
Surrounded by Ocean, Taiwan Embraces Blue Carbon—Private and Public Sectors Alike
While forests, mangroves, and seagrass meadows all store carbon dioxide as natural carbon sinks, mangroves and seagrasses—located along coastlines—are specifically classified as blue carbon. Recognizing their carbon sequestration potential, Taiwan Mobile partnered with the government and academia last year to launch Taiwan’s first blue carbon mangrove restoration project, expected to absorb 77 metric tons of CO₂ per hectare annually.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s voluntary emission reduction plan, actions to enhance carbon sequestration are also underway. The plan aims to increase sequestration by 1.369 million metric tons of CO₂e compared to 2005 levels by 2030, including 340,000 metric tons from marine carbon sinks. Targets include restoring and managing 5,466 hectares of seagrass beds and managing 869 hectares of mangroves, wetlands, and salt marshes.
The two newly approved blue carbon methodologies are based on international frameworks but adapted to Taiwan’s unique ecological conditions. The Ocean Affairs Council explained that the full methodology covers site selection principles, applicability conditions, monitoring standards, carbon sequestration estimation, and verification processes. These restoration and afforestation projects aim to increase organic carbon storage within clearly defined project boundaries.
First Move Toward Ocean-Based Natural Carbon Sinks: Two Key Principles for Ecological Integrity and Measurable Monitoring
The Ministry of Environment noted that both methodologies underwent public consultation, expert panel discussions, and were finalized at the 19th Review Committee meeting on the 24th. Given that planting mangroves or seagrasses can significantly alter the local environment, two core principles were established to avoid ecological disruption and ensure that projects remain measurable, reportable, and verifiable (MRV):
Restricted Project Sites:
Seagrass restoration is limited to marine or coastal wetlands and man-made wetlands.Mangrove afforestation is restricted to man-made wetlands, such as abandoned salt flats, aquaculture ponds, and reservoirs.
Protective Measures Required:
For seagrass restoration: Within the project boundary, no removal of marine organisms is allowed unless necessary for seagrass protection.For mangrove afforestation: Measures must be in place to prevent unintended spread of mangroves beyond project boundaries.
In addition, project applicants must conduct an environmental impact assessment and gather public input before implementation. These findings must be incorporated into the official project proposal.
Demonstration Sites Underway to Build Scalable Blue Carbon Foundation
Blue carbon project activities can take place in coastal or marine wetlands and man-made wetlands with restoration potential, such as underutilized fishponds, salt pans, or parts of fishing harbors. The Ocean Conservation Administration has already begun establishing pilot sites and conducting seagrass nursery trials to lay the groundwork for broader promotion in the future.
To ensure that blue carbon from mangroves and seagrasses meets the principles of additionality, conservativeness, and permanence, the Ministry of Environment emphasized the need for accurate and conservative monitoring and estimation of carbon benefits. The Review Committee and the Ministry have requested the Ocean Affairs Council to prioritize establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for carbon stock measurement. These SOPs must be followed during project execution, and any emissions resulting from project implementation must be deducted from the total carbon benefits.
Blue Carbon Joins Taiwan’s Official Carbon Reduction Toolbox
The Ministry noted that internationally, voluntary carbon reduction mechanisms are increasingly shifting toward removal-based carbon sink projects. With the addition of these two methodologies, Taiwan has now officially approved seven domestic methodologies focused on carbon sinks, aiming to further accelerate progress toward its net-zero goals.
Source: https://reccessary.com/zh-tw/news/moenv-mangrove-seaweed-blue-carbon
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