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INTERNATIONALLY • Climate Change Action • Nature-based Solutions

Southeast Asia Framework for Ocean Action in Mitigation (SEAFOAM)

Advancing the inclusion of ocean-based climate mitigation action into national climate commitments – starting with Indonesia. 

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The ocean is a powerful ally in addressing the climate crisis. According to the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, ocean-based climate solutions have the potential to deliver as much as 35% of the annual greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C by 2050. Beyond its significant mitigation potential, a healthy ocean also supports thriving ecosystems, resilient communities, and a sustainable economy.

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Quantedge Advancement Initiative is supporting Climateworks Centre’s Southeast Asia Framework for Ocean Action in Mitigation (SEAFOAM) project. As the largest archipelagic nation and host to 17% of the world’s blue carbon ecosystems, Indonesia is a critical player in ocean-based climate action. Success there could pave the way for wider adoption of such policies across the region.

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Our early support for Phase 1 of SEAFOAM helped build a strong evidence base for Indonesia's ocean-based mitigation potential. Climateworks Centre assessed a range of coastal and offshore mitigation options, and collated qualitative and quantitative data on these options to estimate their mitigation potential. The analysis identified three sectors with significant climate mitigation opportunities: 

  1. Expanding protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems;

  2. Investing in offshore renewable energy; and

  3. Decarbonising the shipping and maritime transport sector

Outcomes

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Climateworks Centre published a report in September 2023, titled “Sea of opportunity: Ocean-based mitigation to support Indonesia’s climate ambition”. The report revealed that ocean-based climate action could contribute to nearly 50% of Indonesia’s net zero target by 2050, demonstrating the significant value and impact of Indonesia’s ocean-based mitigation potential.

In addition, Climateworks Centre also: 

  • Convened an Indonesian Stakeholder Steering Group (ISSG) to engage key government stakeholders and decision-makers on the development of ocean-based climate policy; and

  • Showcased SEAFOAM at international events (e.g. COP 27, COP 28, ADB Southeast Asia Development Symposium 2023, Philanthropy Asia Summit 2023, 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference) to strengthen collective ambition and literacy on ocean-climate issues. â€‹

Building on this momentum, Climateworks Centre is embarking on Phase 2 of SEAFOAM with an expanded scope. With continued support from us and additional funders, this next phase will focus on translating evidence into actionable policy and implementation pathways. Priority areas include: 

  • Supporting policymakers in integrating ocean-based climate action into national strategies 

  • Producing tools, data and knowledge products on blue carbon

  • Building capacity on ocean-climate nexus across government, private sector, civil society and academia

  • Developing policy recommendations and tools to unlock blue financing

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Through these efforts, SEAFOAM seeks to accelerate Indonesia’s transition to a sustainable blue economy, enabling the country to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, while catalysing broader efforts to reduce ocean-based carbon emissions and protect vital blue carbon ecosystems.

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