Description
The Delta Blue Carbon Mangrove Project is a nature-based project in the Indus River Delta in Pakistan. The project enables greenhouse gas removal by reforestation and revegetation of approximately 225,000 hectares of degraded tidal wetlands with indigenous and local mangrove trees and other species to absorb carbon dioxide, stabilise the area, protect the coastal area and communities, and provide livelihood in the surroundings.
How it works
Mangrove plants absorb carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.Tens of millions of mangrove seedlings have been re-planted, restoring more than 73,000 hectares of degraded mangrove forests and tidal wetlands. Over the coming decade this will expand across the 350,000-hectare region, and in the next 60 years the wetlands will sequester an estimated 142 million tonnes of CO2e.
Why this project
Mangrove forests are incredibly effective carbon sinks – studies have found that they can hold up to four times more carbon than other tropical rainforests.
Benefits
- The entire project will sequester an estimated 128 million mt CO2e over its 60-year lifetime.
- The region is home to 11 globally threatened species, including the Indus River dolphin, the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin, and the Indian pangolin. The project has a positive impact on these threatened species by revegetating the degraded ecosystem and addressing threats that they and their habitats would otherwise face.
- In addition to its biodiversity and climate impact, this project also benefits the 49,000 local people who live in the project area.
- Mangroves help moderate the disturbances caused by tsunamis, floods and provide a natural barrier against coastal erosion.
