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The blue carbon sources such as mangrove belts and sea grasses in Southeast Asia are facing significant losses. (Photo: iStock)
Southeast Asia’s beaches have long captivated tourists’ attention, yet few have recognized another potential of its vast coastline: the ability of its rich marine life to reach carbon neutrality.
The ocean system, comprising tiny phytoplanktons to mangrove belts and sea grasses, can store up to five times more carbon than tropical forests. However, according to Siti Maryam Yaakub, senior director at International Blue Carbon Institute, its huge natural potential is being rapidly depleted.
Urgent actions needed to preserve blue carbon
Blue carbon, known by scientists as carbon stored in ocean systems, is abundant in Southeast Asia, which boasts one of the largest such sources. But the region is also experiencing significant losses of this potential due to human activities such as aquaculture.
