GreenMe Editorial team The Delta Blue Carbon project has planted 351 million mangroves and saved 350,000 hectares of coastal forests in Pakistan, contributing to the fight against climate change and improving the living conditions of local communities.
In a world witnessing a drastic decline in mangrove forests, Pakistan stands out as a positive exception. While over a third of these vital ecosystems have vanished globally in the past fifty years, Pakistan has seen its mangrove forests triple between 1986 and 2020, according to a 2022 analysis of satellite data.
The Delta Blue Carbon project
The Delta Blue Carbon project, highlighted by Up2You—a company assisting businesses in achieving carbon neutrality—has been instrumental in this growth. The project has led to the planting of 351 million mangroves and the conservation of over 865,000 acres of coastal forest. This habitat is crucial for 134 animal species, including the fishing cat, the crocodile, and Blanford’s fox.
Beyond biodiversity conservation, Delta Blue Carbon has significantly contributed to combating climate change, capturing nearly 2.5 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent annually. This amount of greenhouse gas is comparable to the emissions from an airplane circumnavigating the globe 3,268 times.
Certified by the Verified Carbon Standard and CCB (Climate, Community & Biodiversity), the project has also improved the living conditions of approximately 43,000 people. Mangroves not only absorb large amounts of CO₂ but also protect coastal communities from tides and storms, thus enhancing food security and socio-economic well-being.
The global importance of mangroves
Globally, mangrove conservation is critical. These unique ecosystems can capture ten times more carbon dioxide than other tree species. They also shield coastlines from extreme weather, support marine life, and filter harmful UV-B radiation. However, they require specific conditions to thrive, such as seawater and a tropical climate—conditions increasingly threatened by climate change.
International Mangrove Day, established by UNESCO and observed on July 26, serves as a reminder of the importance of these ecosystems and the benefits they provide.
Source: www.u2y.io
