The UK government has launched its first national 'Blue Carbon' strategy, aiming to protect and restore seagrass meadows and saltmarshes as a natural tool for carbon sequestration.
These coastal ecosystems can store carbon up to 40 times faster than terrestrial forests, but have faced significant decline due to pollution and coastal development. The new strategy includes £40 million in funding for restoration projects and the creation of new marine highly protected areas.
"Our coastline is a massive, untapped carbon sink," said the Environment Secretary. "Protecting these habitats isn't just about biodiversity; it's a critical part of our path to Net Zero."
Conservationists have welcomed the move but warned that the funding is 'a drop in the ocean' compared to what is required for full-scale restoration. They are calling for blue carbon credits to be integrated into the national carbon market to attract private investment.
