Blue Carbon Assessments and Capacity Building underway in PNG

Blue carbon stock assessments are also planned for Central, Gulf, Western, New Ireland, and West New Britain provinces in the coming months. Source: Marzena Ann Marinjembi

Alotau, Papua New Guinea – The Management and Conservation of Blue Carbon Ecosystems (MACBLUE) project has launched a series of field assessments and capacity-building activities in Papua New Guinea to strengthen conservation efforts for vital coastal habitats.

The Blue Carbon Stock Assessment, currently taking place in Milne Bay Province from January 31st to February 6th 2025 focuses on evaluating the health and carbon storage potential of seagrass meadows and mangrove forests. Supported by Alluvium International, the assessment will provide critical data for sustainable management strategies and climate mitigation efforts. Key government agencies, including Climate Change Development Authority and the Conservation Environment Protection Authority are actively engaged in the mission. Dr Igo Gari, Provincial Administrator for the Milne Bay Province, expressed his support for the project even joining the team and participating in the field work at certain sites.

Following the field assessment, a Blue Carbon Capacity-Building Workshop will be held this Friday at the Hiri District Office in Central Province. Led by Alluvium International, the training will equip participants from government agencies, academia, and conservation organizations with technical skills in blue carbon stock assessments. The workshop will combine classroom instruction and field demonstrations, covering IPCC Tier 2 methodologies for carbon stock evaluation, soil and biomass sampling, and biodiversity assessments.

These initiatives are part of PNG’s broader commitment to protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems while advancing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and marine conservation policies.