Home / Science / China's Blue Carbon: Oceans Guarding Climate
China's Blue Carbon: Oceans Guarding Climate
3 Nov
Summary
- Blue carbon ecosystems store more carbon than many forests.
- China developed its first national blue carbon accounting standard.
- China's first marine CCER project was registered in March 2026.
China is significantly enhancing its efforts in blue carbon conservation, focusing on vital coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal salt marshes, and seagrass meadows. These natural carbon sinks are highly effective, storing more carbon per unit area than many terrestrial forests, thereby playing a crucial role in the global carbon cycle.
Scientific research, initiated in the 1980s by figures like Academician Lin Peng, has laid a strong foundation. China has also gained practical experience in ecosystem restoration, exemplified by projects in Xiamen. A significant development is the establishment of a national framework, linking research to market applications.
In recent years, China has made substantial institutional advancements. The country has mapped its blue carbon ecosystems and launched pilot surveys for carbon stock assessments. Methodologies for blue carbon trading, including China's first independently developed one for mangroves in 2021, have been created. The 2023 introduction of the Method for Accounting Marine Carbon Sinks marked a key industry standard.
A landmark achievement was the March 2026 registration of China's first CCER project in the marine sector, transitioning blue carbon initiatives into the national voluntary emission reduction system. This showcases China's commitment to integrating ecological value with market mechanisms.
Internationally, China, particularly Fujian province, is sharing its expertise through collaborations with countries like Bangladesh and Indonesia, and launching projects in Thailand. These partnerships focus on developing context-specific solutions and building local capacities for blue carbon governance.
China's approach integrates climate action, biodiversity conservation, and a sustainable blue economy. The nation continues to foster global ocean governance, with Xiamen pursuing the secretariat for the BBNJ Agreement, offering a collaborative platform for international ocean management and sustainable development.
