Indonesia is an archipelago rich in natural resources, including coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and peat swamps, which play a crucial role in storing blue carbon. Blue carbon refers to the carbon absorbed and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change. Currently, the blue carbon sector in Indonesia has become an essential part of environmental and climate change policies. This article will discuss how Indonesia manages the blue carbon sector, the critical role of coastal ecosystems, and the latest policies adopted by the government and related institutions to conserve these ecosystems.

1. Understanding Blue Carbon and Its Role

   Blue carbon refers to the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and peat swamps. These three ecosystems are highly efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass and underwater sediments for thousands of years. The main functions of blue carbon are:

   • Reducing Carbon Emissions : Coastal ecosystems can absorb carbon faster and for longer periods compared to terrestrial forests.
   • Combating Climate Change : Blue carbon storage can help prevent the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
   • Protecting Biodiversity : Coastal ecosystems are habitats for many species that play a role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.

   As one of the countries with the longest coastlines in the world, Indonesia has significant potential to utilize blue carbon as a climate change mitigation strategy.

2. Blue Carbon Potential in Indonesia

   Indonesia has extensive coastal ecosystems, including:

   • Mangroves : Indonesia has the largest mangrove forests in the world, covering approximately 3.3 million hectares.
   • Seagrass Beds : Indonesia's seagrass ecosystems cover around 30,000 square kilometers, making them some of the largest in the world.
   • Coastal Peat Swamps : Coastal peat swamps are also highly efficient carbon sinks, especially in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

   These ecosystems have the capacity to absorb large amounts of CO₂, which, if managed well, could significantly reduce Indonesia's carbon emissions. For example, mangrove forests can store up to 10 times more carbon than terrestrial tropical forests. However, many challenges must be addressed to maintain these ecosystems. Mangrove degradation, declining seagrass bed quality, and the conversion of peat swamps for plantations or aquaculture are some factors threatening the sustainability of blue carbon ecosystems in Indonesia.

3. Government Policies on Blue Carbon

   The Indonesian government has recognized the importance of blue carbon ecosystems in climate change mitigation efforts. Some of the policies and strategic measures implemented include:

   • Integration of Blue Carbon into the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) :

     Indonesia has included the blue carbon sector in its national climate commitments through the NDC submitted under the Paris Agreement. In this NDC, the government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 29% on its own and up to 41% with international assistance by 2030.

   • Coastal Ecosystem Rehabilitation :

     The government has launched various programs to rehabilitate mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems. These programs aim to restore the ecosystems' function as carbon sinks while also providing economic benefits to coastal communities.

     • National Mangrove Program : The government plans to rehabilitate around 600,000 hectares of mangrove forests by 2024.
     • Seagrass Bed Program : Several regions, such as Bali and the Thousand Islands, have begun seagrass bed restoration to enhance the quality of this ecosystem as a carbon sink.
   • Development of Carbon Schemes :

     Indonesia has also developed carbon trading schemes for the blue carbon sector. These schemes allow companies and other countries seeking to reduce their emissions to invest in blue carbon projects in Indonesia.

     • Nusantara Carbon Initiative : This is an example of a program promoting carbon trading with a focus on coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration.
   • International Collaboration :

     Indonesia collaborates with various countries and international organizations to implement blue carbon conservation projects. One major initiative is the project with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which aims to protect Indonesia's mangrove forests.

4. Challenges and Opportunities
   • Challenges

     Despite the government's and various organizations' efforts, many challenges hinder the success of blue carbon policies in Indonesia:

     • Ecosystem Damage : Mangrove deforestation for aquaculture, infrastructure development, and other human activities remain major threats.
     • Lack of Public Awareness : Many people do not yet understand the importance of blue carbon in climate change mitigation.
     • Funding : The rehabilitation and conservation of coastal ecosystems require significant funding, which is sometimes difficult to obtain.
   • Opportunities

     However, with the government's commitment and various new initiatives, Indonesia has many opportunities to capitalize on the blue carbon sector:

     • Carbon Financing : Carbon trading schemes offer a significant opportunity to secure international funding for ecosystem restoration projects.
     • Coastal Ecotourism : By improving coastal ecosystems, Indonesia can also enhance the potential for environmentally friendly and sustainable ecotourism.
5. Policy Recommendations for the Future

   To optimize the potential of blue carbon in Indonesia, several policy recommendations can be implemented:

   • Increased Education and Awareness : The government should continue educating the public, especially in coastal areas, about the importance of preserving blue carbon ecosystems.
   • Enhanced Law Enforcement : Stronger law enforcement is needed to prevent ecosystem damage due to human activities.
   • Broader Collaboration : Collaboration between the government, communities, academics, and the private sector should be strengthened to achieve blue carbon conservation goals.
   • Technological Innovation : The use of advanced technology in monitoring and rehabilitating coastal ecosystems can help improve the effectiveness of conservation programs.
6. Conclusion

   The blue carbon sector policies in Indonesia are a crucial step in climate change mitigation. With the vast potential of coastal ecosystems, Indonesia has the opportunity to play a significant role in reducing global emissions. However, the success of these policies depends on strong commitment, good collaboration, and adequate financial and technological support. With the right steps, the blue carbon sector can become a key pillar in protecting the environment and combating climate change in the future.

References

IUCN Issue Brief: Blue Carbon

Carbon Removal Fact Sheet: Blue Carbon

CIFOR’s Info Brief: Incorporating Blue Carbon into Nationally Determined Contributions