What they do
Blue Carbon Plus (BC+) is a joint initiative of The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International aiming to conserve and restore 16.9 million hectares of mangrove, marsh, and seagrass ecosystems by 2050. The program combines large-scale conservation finance, community partnerships, and carbon credit development to make coastal ecosystem protection economically self-sustaining. BC+ operates across priority geographies in the Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, East Africa, and Latin America.
Why they matter
BC+ represents the most ambitious attempt to make blue carbon pay for itself. At current mangrove conservation costs (~$290/ha median), the economic case is compelling: these ecosystems store 607-1,494 Mg CO2e/ha, reduce flood risk for approximately 15 million people annually, and avoid over $65 billion/yr in storm damage. Restoration credit prices ($26/tCO2e for mangroves in 2023) signal growing market support for scaling these efforts.
How to support
Follow TNC and CI's blue carbon project updates for investment and volunteering opportunities. Support carbon credit programs that fund blue carbon restoration. Advocate for blue carbon inclusion in your country's climate commitments and adaptation plans.
Key project to explore
The Mikoko Pamoja project in Kenya, one of the world's first community-led mangrove carbon credit programs. Local communities manage and restore mangroves, sell carbon credits, and reinvest revenue in education and infrastructure. The model has been replicated across East Africa.