Blue Carbon- Protecting Coastal Environments

The concept of Blue Carbon is gaining interest as an innovative solution to protect and improve coastal areas. These valuable coastal areas are mainly covered by sea grasses, salt marshes and mangrove forests. Scientists and economists are working together to develop ways in which these areas can be put on the market for their ability to capture carbon naturally and also to prevent them from being cleared for other opportunities. Many mangrove forests are being cleared to be used for shrimp farming. Blue Carbon would help to store carbon in these high carbon areas as well as preventing further emissions from deforestation. These areas would be a great investment because of their high importance for local communities as well as their carbon value.

For more information on Blue Carbon visit http://nicholasinstitute.duke.edu/oceans/