By Danelle De Coteau-Campbell, Lead Communications Specialist
The Caribbean stands at a critical juncture in its climate resilience journey. With rising sea levels, intensifying storms, and growing economic vulnerabilities, the region must embrace innovative solutions that offer both environmental protection and economic opportunity. Blue carbon—the carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems has emerged as a game-changer in the fight against climate change.
From March 18–20, 2025, over 70 representatives from 13 Caribbean nations convened in Kingston, Jamaica, for the Coastal Futures: Advancing Blue Carbon Policy, Finance, and Science in the Caribbean workshop. This landmark event, organized by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) in partnership with Conservation International (CI), the International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI), and the United Nations Global Ocean-Decade Programme for Blue Carbon (GO-BC), marked a significant step toward harnessing blue carbon for regional climate resilience. Supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the workshop brought together policymakers, climate finance experts, and scientists to shape a regional blueprint for blue carbon action.
Coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses serve as nature’s frontline defense against climate change. They not only sequester vast amounts of carbon but also protect shorelines, support biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities. Yet, despite their immense value, these ecosystems remain vulnerable to degradation due to coastal development, pollution, and climate impacts.
“Mangroves and seagrasses are essential to the Caribbean’s biodiversity, coastal resilience, and climate mitigation efforts,” emphasized Thérèse Yarde from Conservation International. “Their conservation and restoration are critical to sustaining communities and ecosystems across the region. For more than 15 years, Conservation International has been at the forefront of blue carbon research and conservation, and alongside the International Blue Carbon Institute, we are grateful to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) for organizing this important workshop. We look forward to continuing to support Caribbean nations in developing blue carbon solutions that strengthen both environmental and economic resilience.”
The workshop tackled pressing issues such as integrating blue carbon into national policies, unlocking climate finance, and leveraging cutting-edge science to monitor and protect coastal ecosystems. By doing so, Caribbean nations are positioning themselves to tap into global blue carbon markets, ensuring that conservation efforts translate into tangible financial and social benefits.
Through this initiative, the Caribbean has the potential to emerge as a global leader in blue carbon strategies, demonstrating how small island developing states (SIDS) can turn vulnerability into strength by investing in nature-based solutions.
The Path Forward: Turning Strategy into Action
While policy discussions are crucial, the real challenge lies in implementation. How can the Caribbean move from ambition to impact? The workshop participants identified several key steps:
- Scaling Up National Blue Carbon Strategies – Countries must integrate blue carbon into their broader climate policies, aligning conservation efforts with economic development goals.
- Strengthening Regional Collaboration – A unified approach will amplify the region’s voice on the global stage, attracting investments and influencing international climate negotiations.
- Mobilizing Investments – Engaging public and private sector stakeholders is essential to securing the funding needed for large-scale blue carbon initiatives.
- Empowering Coastal Communities – Ensuring that local populations benefit from blue carbon projects through sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and climate adaptation efforts.
The road ahead requires unwavering commitment from governments, financial institutions, scientific communities, and civil society. As the Caribbean continues to chart its course toward climate resilience, the outcomes of this workshop will serve as a catalyst for national and regional initiatives aimed at scaling up blue carbon approaches.
The message is clear: The Caribbean is not merely adapting to climate change, it is leading the charge in transforming coastal conservation into an economic and environmental powerhouse. Through collective action, strategic investments, and scientific innovation, the region has the opportunity to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
