Project details
1623 ยท Blue carbon
  • Sindh, Pakistan
Healthy mangrove forest in the Indus Delta

Where the Indus flows into the Arabian Sea in south-eastern Pakistan, a complex web of river courses, streams and islands has emerged, providing a home to valuable mangrove forests with unique biodiversity. However, intensive agricultural use and soil salinisation have damaged the fragile ecosystem, preventing the mangrove forests from regenerating on their own. Therefore, this project will reforest a total of 224,997 hectares of mangrove forest and restore wetlands. The intact ecosystems will store about 2,407,620 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The project provides even further benefits: The mangrove forests effectively protect against storm surges and the inhabitants of the 60 villages nearby are sensitised to a sustainable use of the ecosystem. The mangroves also provide spawning grounds for fish and other marine life. For the special impact in the areas of climate, community and biodiversity, the project was awarded the gold level of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCBS). (1st verified monitoring phase from 19.02.2015 to 31.10.2021)

How does blue carbon contribute to climate action?

Blue carbon refers to the CO2 emissions stored by marine and coastal ecosystems. Among others, mangrove trees are significant carbon reservoirs because they remove more greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests. Their special root system, which has semi-earthy and semi-marine components, collects biomass from organic matter, such as dead leaves and branches, over the years and binds CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. This particular root system stores far more CO2 than other tree species.

Worldwide, mangrove forests have been destroyed for agriculture or aquaculture, or cleared for timber and firewood. By damaging these enormous CO2 reservoirs, large amounts of CO2 are released again into the atmosphere. To avoid this, blue carbon projects protect mangrove forests and preserve coastal habitats for a variety of wildlife species - both in water and on land. The dense roots of mangroves also serve as natural protection against erosion, flooding and storms in coastal regions. Blue carbon projects in the ClimatePartner portfolio are registered with international standards.

Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
No PovertyThe project focuses on providing livelihood support to the most vulnerable members of the local communities, for example through direct employment.
Zero HungerThe project activities will lead to more sustainable agriculture and livestock production and the implementation of a sustainable fisheries programme. Plus, employment opportunities will generate income for about 8.900 beneficiaries.
Good Health and Well-BeingThe project helps with the expansion of affordable health care facilities for about 15.000 people.
Quality EducationAs was requested by local leaders, the project will improve the infrastructure of existing schools and implement an adult literacy programme, especially for women.
Gender EqualityThe project contributes to the empowerment of women by many different initiatives, including training and income opportunities but also through the creation of women organisations.
Clean Water and SanitationMany people in the project zone do not have access to clean drinking water. The project will tackle this problem including in the most isolated areas of the Indus delta.
Affordable and Clean EnergySustainable energy generation is being promoted, for example through using biomass or the provision of solar energy in selected communities.
Decent Work and Economic GrowthMany people from the local communities will be directly employed by the project in various capacities, including in forest protection and wetlands restoration.
Climate ActionThe project removes about 2,407,620 tonnes of CO2 per year from the atmosphere.
Life below WaterThe project collaborates directly with fishing communities to implement sustainable practices and promote proper management of the coastal areas. This includes also the conservation of endangered species, for example the Indian ocean humpback dolphin, whose population has already shown a healthy increase.
Life on LandThe project activities contribute to the conservation of the forest ecosystems and its biodiversity. By 2020, 73,125 ha of degraded mangrove land had already been restored. Further, the project also works towards ending poaching and trafficking of protected species.
Project standardVerified Carbon Standard (VCS)CCBS TechnologyBlue carbon RegionSindh, PakistanEstimated annual emission reductions2,407,629 t CO2Validated byAENOR INTERNACIONAL S.A.UVerified byAENOR INTERNACIONAL S.A.U