Establishing a Voluntary Carbon Credit Market to Restore Mangroves and Support Vulnerable Coastal Communities

This project aims at restoring mangrove ecosystems along the coast of Tanzania while simultaneously supporting vulnerable coastal communities through the establishment of a voluntary carbon credit market. This initiative addresses a dual crisis: the degradation of vital coastal ecosystems and the socio-economic challenges faced by local communities dependent on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. This project run by Aqua-Farms Organization (AFO) is funded and supported by Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) with academic support from Plan Vivo and Wetlands International.

Importance of Mangroves

Mangroves are crucial ecosystems that provide numerous environmental benefits. They act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, support biodiversity, and play a significant role in carbon sequestration, making them vital in the fight against climate change. However, mangrove forests worldwide are disappearing at an alarming rate due to urbanization, agriculture, and climate change.

In Tanzania, where mangrove ecosystems cover approximately 750 square kilometers, the loss has been particularly acute due to overexploitation and habitat destruction. This project seeks to reverse that trend, pushing forward both environmental resilience and economic development.

Project Goals

Aqua-Farms Organization’s project has several key objectives:

1. Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystems: The primary goal is to restore degraded mangrove areas to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, and increase carbon stock.
2. Carbon Credit Market Development: Establishing a voluntary carbon credit market allows for the monetization of carbon sequestration efforts. By creating a framework for selling carbon credits, the project will incentivize local communities and investors to engage in environmental stewardship.
3. Support for Local Communities: As the project restores mangrove habitats, it simultaneously aims to empower local communities through training and capacity building, providing alternative livelihoods that are sustainable and less dependent on the exploitation of marine resources.
4. Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the importance of mangroves and climate action among local populations, stakeholders, and the general public is essential for the long-term success of the initiative.