등록일 2024.12.17
BIMP-EAGA's 5 Key Strategic Pillars - Environment
Nature-based solutions to Climate Change: Mangrove Restoration and Blue Carbon
Hosang Kang (Institutes of Green Bio Science & Technology Seoul National University)
Southeast Asia occupies only 3% of the Earth's land area but accounts for 30% of the world's coral reefs and 35% of mangrove forests (Source: ASEAN State of the Environment Report, 2008).
BIMP's Philippines, Sundaland, and Wallacea are rich in biodiversity and are recognized as one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots along with the Indo-Burma region in the ASEAN continental region.
South East Asia's Hotspots of Biodiversity
In particular, mangroves growing near coastlines have gained significant attention as blue carbon sinks, which are marine carbon absorption sources capable of storing carbon for thousands of years. They not only contribute to the conservation of marine biodiversity but also absorb carbon dioxide at a rate exceeding 50 times faster than terrestrial green carbon ecosystems in recent years.
Mangroves primarily refer to shrubs or tall trees that grow in wetlands located in tropical or subtropical coastal areas, or estuaries where saltwater and freshwater mix. Mangrove forests protect coastlines from large waves or tsunamis and prevent coastal erosion by anchoring the soil with their roots. Additionally, they provide a safe habitat for young fish among their roots and offer a secure environment for various marine organisms, contributing to sustainable income growth for local residents through continuous fishing and tourism industries.
The Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Fund (KACF)-supported Korea-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Project (AKECOP)1) started in 2000. However, it wasn't until the devastating tsunami caused by the 2004 earthquake in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, that highlighted the significance of mangrove forests. In response to this, the ASEAN Secretariat requested the addition of mangrove restoration and research projects to the scope of the Korea-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Project. As a result, research on the ecosystem services of mangrove forests was conducted in Bohol, Philippines (Lee et al., 2022).
1) The ASEAN-Korea Environment Cooperation Project (AKECOP), supported by the Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Fund, conducted joint research and educational/training programs in the fields of ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and income enhancement through agroforestry in ASEAN countries from 2000 to 2018. Institutions such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in the Philippines, IPB University in Indonesia, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), and the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD) participated in these initiatives.
Mangroves in Banacon Island, Philippines
Mangrove forests cover approximately 14.5 million hectares worldwide, with Indonesia accounting for 3,364,080 hectares, or 24% of the global total (MoEF 2021). Malaysia (587,613 hectares), the Philippines (266,170 hectares), and Brunei (5,871 hectares) are also making significant efforts in the conservation and sustainable development of mangrove forests. There are about 60 species of mangrove trees distributed worldwide, with Indonesia hosting 48 species, Malaysia 42 species, the Philippines 38 species, and Brunei 25 species (Giesen et al. 2006).
Mangrove Forest of the World
(source: Mangrove Forest of the World)
Over time, mangrove forests have suffered significant damage due to activities such as shrimp aquaculture and the establishment of palm farms, highlighting the urgent need for mangrove conservation measures (Hilomen & Peñaflor, 2023).
Recently, businesses have shown a high interest in mangrove restoration and conservation projects for carbon offsetting and ESG investments. Additionally, local government initiatives such as the mangrove REDD+ project proposed by the local government of Morotai Island in northern maluku, Indonesia, offer promising opportunities for collaboration between businesses and local authorities. Moreover, leveraging the Korea-BIMP-EAGA Cooperation Fund to drive the "Korea-BIMP Mangrove Cooperation Program," which encompasses mangrove restoration, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood enhancement for local communities, is essential for sharing Korea's experience in forest ecosystem restoration and promoting enhanced cooperation for climate change adaptation within the Korea-BIMP partnership.