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Indonesia is poised to enhance its climate commitments by considering the inclusion of blue carbon ecosystems—coastal and marine regions rich in carbon, such as mangroves and seagrasses—in its upcoming climate targets. This marks a significant shift from the country’s historic reliance on the forestry, land-use, and energy sectors for its climate initiatives.
The potential integration of blue carbon ecosystems could greatly impact Indonesia’s role in global climate change mitigation, as it hosts a substantial portion of the world’s marine carbon resources. Approximately 22% of the globe’s mangroves and 5% of its seagrass meadows are found within Indonesian waters. Yet, these vital ecosystems have been declining in recent years, largely due to shifting land-use practices. According to recent statistics, only 16% of mangroves and 45% of seagrasses are currently protected.
The degradation of these habitats not only diminishes biodiversity but also risks releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further intensifying climate change. Consequently, it is essential for Indonesia to consider the establishment of additional protected areas dedicated to safeguarding its mangrove and seagrass environments. Such measures could protect these ecosystems from detrimental activities, including unsustainable fishing practices, excessive tourism, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Two Varieties of Protected Areas
A 2023 study from the Climateworks Center has underscored the potential for Indonesia to slash up to 60 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030—comparable to Singapore’s emissions reduction goals—through the protection of approximately 39,000 hectares of mangroves and 8,600 hectares of seagrasses each year. This total area is approximately equal to three-quarters the size of Jakarta.
Achieving this goal could be facilitated by incorporating these ecosystems within two types of designated conservation areas. The first type is marine protected areas (MPAs), established by the government to conserve crucial ecological habitats. The second type involves other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM), which are equally vital for maintaining ecological integrity.
Within MPAs, activities such as industrial fishing, mass tourism, and mining are generally prohibited. The Indonesian government aims to increase the coverage of MPAs from 8% to 10% by 2030, presenting an opportunity to prioritize the conservation of mangroves and seagrasses.
OECMs allow for the identification and support of conservation efforts beyond formal protected areas. Indigenous management practices, such as those observed in Rote Ndao in Eastern Indonesia, serve to protect local marine ecosystems without the designation of formal MPAs. Research indicates the existence of over 390 potential marine OECMs in Indonesia, many of which have been stewarded by local communities for generations.
Identifying Key Protection Areas
Type of data collection and effective mapping of blue carbon ecosystems is urgently needed in Indonesia. Preliminary findings from research have identified critical areas where mangroves and seagrasses can be prioritized within the country’s oceanic strategy.
For mangroves, the regions of Kalimantan and Papua are notably significant. Recent assessments indicate that around 19% of Kalimantan’s mangrove cover has been lost due to palm oil cultivation and aquaculture. In contrast, Papua possesses extensive carbon-rich mangroves and has experienced relatively low deforestation rates.
Assessing seagrass protection poses more of a challenge, as a comprehensive map of these ecosystems in Indonesia has yet to be developed. Before pinpointing specific areas for protection, thorough data verification is necessary in provinces like Maluku, North Maluku, Bangka Belitung Islands, Southeast Sulawesi, West Papua, and South Sulawesi, which have shown promise for seagrass conservation potential.
Establishing Concrete Targets
As Indonesia prepares its climate targets, it has the opportunity to set a clear and quantifiable goal for the protection of mangrove and seagrass ecosystems. This strategy aligns marine conservation efforts with broader climate ambitions and is likely to attract vital climate financing needed for implementation.
Community involvement is essential in shaping these protective measures. By engaging local populations in the planning and execution of mangrove and seagrass conservation initiatives, Indonesia can ensure that efforts are both effective and culturally sensitive. This approach will also support the country’s Blue Economy Roadmap, promoting coordinated conservation efforts across various governmental agencies.
In an era of striving for net-zero emissions globally, Indonesia has a unique opportunity to elevate its climate leadership. Protecting and rejuvenating its carbon-dense mangroves and seagrass meadows is essential for preserving the future health of marine ecosystems that are crucial to the livelihoods of many Indonesians.
Source
phys.org