Key messages

• Preserving intact ecosystems is financially more effective than restoring degraded ones. We therefore propose a moratorium on further conversion of mangroves. By doing so, there is the potential to generate $3 billion (USD) in abatement costs annually.
• A science-backed plan, including mapping, for restoring priority degraded blue carbon ecosystems will build climate change resilience and improve livelihoods.
• Activating the existing regulatory framework and its governance at provincial level is essential to meet national low carbon development goals and align with global agenda.
• Opportunities for funding restoration include public and private partnerships, and new innovative finance solutions. Income from the blue economy (fishing, shipping and eco-tourism) in productive zones could also contribute to restoration.

Authors: Murdiyarso, D.; Sukara, E.; Supriatna, J.; Koropitan, A.; Mumbunan, S.; Juliandi, B.; Jompa, J.

Subjects: mangroves, carbon, climate change, ecological restoration

Publication type: Brief, Publication

Year: 2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17528/cifor/007058