Tanya Plibersek MP
Minister for the Environment and Water

Big blue carbon boost to restore mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes

The Australian Government will help restore blue carbon ecosystems across Australia, including mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes, by investing $9.5 million to support five new practical restoration projects.

Blue carbon means coastal and marine ecosystems that capture carbon, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes.

Australia is home to about 12 percent of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems. These ecosystems are up to five times better at storing carbon than rainforests.

Blue carbon ecosystems support marine life, contribute to coastal livelihoods, and provide protection from storm surges. But they also absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it in their soils, roots and plants, which helps deal with climate change.

Blue carbon ecosystems have the added benefit of improving biodiversity and water quality.

The five projects were chosen based on ecosystem variety, scale of restoration, partnerships with local communities and Traditional Owners, as well as the benefits provided to biodiversity, fishing, water quality, and coastal protection.

This announcement follows on from the Australian Government this week endorsing the Joint Declaration on the creation of a Global Coalition for Blue Carbon at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.

Quote attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water:

“We’re giving Blue Carbon a big boost because it both helps restore some of our most fragile environments and deal with climate change.

“Ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes provide critical breeding grounds for fish, habitats for threatened marine species such as turtles and dugongs, and feeding and staging grounds for migratory birds.

“They also filter water flowing into our oceans and reef systems.

“Backing Blue Carbon is a great investment. It’s a win for the environment, it’s a win for the economy, it’s a win for the climate, and the community.”

Funding recipients and projects: