Protecting Blue Carbon Ecosystems and Mitigating Marine Disasters for a Sustainable Future

Since 2020, China has been actively engaged in the protection and restoration of its coastal ecosystems. This initiative has resulted in the restoration of approximately 112 kilometers of coastline and over 6,000 hectares of coastal wetlands.

These efforts focus on vital blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves, coastal salt marshes, and seagrass beds. These ecosystems are globally recognized for their significant role in absorbing and storing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide.

Globally, coastal blue carbon ecosystems are estimated to absorb around 200 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. Marine sediments within these ecosystems store carbon at a rate 50 times greater than that found in the atmosphere.

China's coastal restoration projects, initiated in 2020, aim to leverage the natural disaster mitigation capabilities of these blue carbon ecosystems. These ecosystems help protect against tides and waves, contributing to shoreline stabilization.

The projects have yielded multiple benefits, including the restoration of natural coastal ecology and the creation of a green, low-carbon coastal safety barrier. Furthermore, they have enhanced the carbon sequestration capacity of these ecosystems, promoting ocean carbon sinks and realizing the value of marine ecological products.

To further safeguard against marine disasters, China has established early warning systems in 34 high-risk red tide areas. Over the past five years, these systems have successfully managed 234 red tide incidents.

In addition, the country has developed a national list and distribution map of local biological outbreak risks. Monitoring systems are in place for red tides, green tides, sargassum, and crown-of-thorns starfish. The mechanisms and impacts of such disasters are analyzed and assessed to ensure the safe and healthy development of coastal economies and societies.