28 April 2025, Suva, Fiji - A carbon stock and ecological survey on mangroves and seagrass across four Pacific Island countries has now concluded, with results expected to be released in August.
The assessment, which concluded last month, was led by scientists from Alluvium International Ltd, in collaboration with in-country experts from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.
The study included an evaluation of carbon stock, biodiversity and threats and the collection and verification of georeferencing data at multiple locations across the four countries. The assessment also incorporated capacity-building on carbon assessment methodology in all four partner countries.
The report will include a summary of the methods used for site selection and fieldwork implemented, as well as the results from the seagrass, mangroves, biodiversity, and threat assessments conducted in-country. It will also highlight the study's findings, conclusions, and limitations.
Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Acting General Manager for the Measurements, Reporting, and Verification Division of the Climate Change Development Authority, Mr William Lakain, shared that PNG is home to one of the largest mangroves covers and the highest recorded seagrass species around the Pacific.
“Therefore, it is imperative that we not only preserve them for our present needs but also ensure well-being of our future generations. This study reinforces the importance of safeguarding our natural heritage as a key driver of climate resilience and biodiversity,” he said.
The Director of Solomon Islands Ministry of Forestry & Research Herbarium Department, Mr Myknee Sirikolo, stressed the deep cultural and ecological value of the blue carbon ecosystems to Pacific Island communities.
“The vital wealth of our Pacific blue carbon ecosystems, as represented in our different Pacific Island Countries and Territories have been supporting and safeguarding the habitats and livelihoods of our people, ever since the beginning of time. The health and protection of these seagrass meadows and mangrove ecosystems is very important and must be recognised,” Mr Sirikolo shared.
“The MACBLUE Project in the Solomon Islands which were implemented in the different project sites in the Lau Lagoon (Malaita), Marovo Lagoon (Western), and Papatura (Isabel) has enabled us to work collaboratively with our local people, who are the indigenous custodians of their land, ocean, seagrass and mangrove ecosystems to revisit and successfully assess the status of their blue carbon stocks and ecosystems, which then allows us to get an up to date scientific and cultural knowledge and understanding of these important resources of the people, whom we are called to serve”
MACBLUE Project Coordinator, Ms Turang Teuea, acknowledged the four partner countries for their support in reaching the conclusions of the assessment and shared that the study is a significant milestone in advancing the management of blue carbon ecosystems across the Pacific.
“Moving forward, we are committed to ensuring that the insights gained from this work translate into actionable conservation efforts at both local and regional levels,” she said. “The capacity-building efforts have empowered local communities and governments, providing them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions for seagrass and mangrove ecosystems .”
The outcomes of this study and the capacity building support provided through the MACBLUE project supports SPREP’s coastal and marine ecosystem work in ensuring that healthy and resilient ecosystems continue to provide the ecosystem services for the Pacific communities.
The study was made possible through the Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems (MACBLUE) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through its International Climate Initiative (IKI).
The MACBLUE project is jointly implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Pacific Community (SPC), and GIZ Pacific, in close cooperation with their four partner governments: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands.