Advancing Blue Carbon Policy:
Capacity Building & Technical Support
Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and seagrasses, are powerhouses for global climate action. Often referred to as blue carbon ecosystems, they sequester vast amounts of carbon, act as natural buffers against rising sea levels and storm surges, and support local livelihoods.
Despite their critical importance, a significant gap exists between scientific knowledge and policy action. As awareness of blue carbon’s potential grows, there is an opportunity to translate this momentum into more effective policies to protect, sustainably manage, and restore these ecosystems. The key to unlocking this lies in equipping policymakers with access to the technical knowledge, tools, and frameworks needed to design, finance, and implement effective blue carbon policies.
At Quantedge Advancement Initiative, we believe that driving long-term change for blue carbon ecosystems requires science-informed policymaking and coordinated action both within countries and across the region. To support these efforts, we are funding the International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) - a research and capacity-building hub by Conservation International - on its “Advancing Blue Carbon Policy: Capacity Building & Technical Support” programme.
Through this programme, IBCI helps countries translate blue carbon knowledge into robust, science-based policy frameworks. Our support focuses on three areas:
Despite their critical importance, a significant gap exists between scientific knowledge and policy action. As awareness of blue carbon’s potential grows, there is an opportunity to translate this momentum into more effective policies to protect, sustainably manage, and restore these ecosystems. The key to unlocking this lies in equipping policymakers with access to the technical knowledge, tools, and frameworks needed to design, finance, and implement effective blue carbon policies.
At Quantedge Advancement Initiative, we believe that driving long-term change for blue carbon ecosystems requires science-informed policymaking and coordinated action both within countries and across the region. To support these efforts, we are funding the International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) - a research and capacity-building hub by Conservation International - on its “Advancing Blue Carbon Policy: Capacity Building & Technical Support” programme.
Through this programme, IBCI helps countries translate blue carbon knowledge into robust, science-based policy frameworks. Our support focuses on three areas:
- Build Policymaker Capacity: Deliver targeted workshops and webinars to equip policymakers, government officials, and climate negotiators with the knowledge and tools to enable, finance, and implement blue carbon initiatives effectively.
- Strengthen National Policy Frameworks: Provide technical guidance, capacity building, and recommendations to the governments to strengthen commitments and develop high-quality standards for blue carbon habitats within a national policy framework.
- Elevate Blue Carbon in ASEAN: Conduct policy analysis and provide recommendations to regional bodies (e.g. the ASEAN Secretariat) to integrate blue carbon action into regional initiatives.
Programme in Action
Building consensus and momentum for ocean-climate action under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
In March 2026, Conservation International co-hosted a global webinar for United Nations (UN) climate negotiators and civil society focused on the evolving role of ocean and coasts within global climate negotiations. The session reviewed the progress achieved to date and examined what meaningful outcomes could look like at the COP31 UNFCCC conference in Antalya, Türkiye.
Conservation International will continue to drive ongoing discussions and close collaboration with ASEAN member states to identify new opportunities and build momentum for the protection of coastal blue carbon ecosystems.
Building consensus and momentum for ocean-climate action under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
In March 2026, Conservation International co-hosted a global webinar for United Nations (UN) climate negotiators and civil society focused on the evolving role of ocean and coasts within global climate negotiations. The session reviewed the progress achieved to date and examined what meaningful outcomes could look like at the COP31 UNFCCC conference in Antalya, Türkiye.
Conservation International will continue to drive ongoing discussions and close collaboration with ASEAN member states to identify new opportunities and build momentum for the protection of coastal blue carbon ecosystems.