Protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems is an important part of Victoria’s journey to net-zero. In addition to climate change mitigation, these ecosystems provide co-benefits such as coastal hazard protection, fisheries, biodiversity and water quality improvement. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is exploring blue carbon restoration opportunities through implementation of the Marine and Coastal Strategy 2022. The Strategy includes activities to map blue carbon habitats and incentivize private landholders and public land managers to restore these habitats.
DEECA has investigated opportunities and barriers to blue carbon protection and restoration in Victoria. This work has identified high potential for environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits through restoring blue carbon ecosystems. The potential benefits are closely aligned with the objectives of many existing state and national policy and regulatory frameworks. The barriers and challenges to achieving these objectives include land tenure and market uncertainty and lower sequestration potential than other states.
This presentation will explore the progress made to date on the blue carbon activities of the Marine and Coastal Strategy 2022, the opportunities and challenges that have emerged and how DEECA is addressing them.