Nations Trust WNPS Monthly Lecture, ‘Unravelling carbon credits and blue forest finance: a solution or another scam?’ will be delivered by globally recognised ‘expert in blue carbon ecosystems’ by Dr Mat Vanderklift on December 12 at 6 pm at the BMICH.
Mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes—known as “blue carbon ecosystems”—play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, making them essential in climate change mitigation. These ecosystems not only bolster food security and livelihoods by supporting fisheries and tourism but also offer adaptive solutions for coastal communities to combat the effects of climate change and mitigate extreme events.
Securing funding for their protection and restoration, however, remains challenging. Private-sector partnerships can drive investment through various avenues, with market-based mechanisms being among the most widely adopted. As the demand for carbon, biodiversity, and nature markets grows, identifying robust, high-integrity crediting schemes and metrics is essential to ensure their success.
This lecture will delve into innovative approaches to blue carbon, biodiversity, and nature financing, addressing the challenges and opportunities within this evolving field. It will provide critical insights for corporate sustainability leaders, conservation heads, and professionals developing environmental strategies, emphasising the importance of partnerships in achieving climate and biodiversity goals.
The NTB WNPS Lecture plays a crucial role in enabling impactful knowledge-sharing sessions. Through capacity building and fostering strategic partnerships, WNPS remains at the forefront of driving innovative solutions for climate change and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Mat Vanderklift, a globally recognised expert in blue carbon ecosystems, has over 30 years of research experience across the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Caribbean Seas.
As a scientist at CSIRO Environment, Australia’s national science agency, and the Director of the IORA Blue Carbon Hub, he has made pioneering contributions to advancing blue carbon ecosystem understanding and management.
Dr. Vanderklift’s work has shaped global policies and strategies for sustainable ecosystem management, with a focus on leveraging governance and financial frameworks for climate mitigation and adaptation.
