Page 35 - Livre_MOW2021_EN

POLLUTION AND HEALTH | 33

KEYFACT The term “blue carbon” refers to organic carbon stocks captured by plant organisms in marine and coastal ecosystems.
Mangrove swamps have been included for the first time as blue carbon ecosystems, with two objectives in the Nationally
Determined Contributions recently updated by Colombia.

MANGROVE SWAMPS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Based on sustainable management of mangrove
swamps in the Gulf of Morrosquillo (Caribbean), the
“Vida Manglar” project aims to significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions caused by deforestation.
The first blue carbon strategy dedicated to protecting
these ecosystems encompasses the creation of a
large nursery, reforestation and recovery of the gulf’s
mangrove swamps. It is currently being environmen-
tally certified. The initiative enjoys the support of the
Regional Autonomous Corporation of Valles del Sinú
and San Jorge (CVS), Conservation International, the
Marine and Coastal Research Institute (INVEMAR),
the Omacha Foundation and 14 community organi-
sations in this region. “Vida Manglar” is expected to
expand: the implementation of six blue carbon initia-
tives in Colombia is on the Colombian government’s
national development plan.

COPING WITH CYCLONES

Hurricane Iota (category 5) in November 2020 marked
a change in route and intensity of tropical cyclones.
The impact of these major climate events on marine
and coastal ecosystems specifically affects coral co-
lonies, seagrasses and mangrove swamps. Speakers
highlighted the importance of national, coordinated
efforts to improve prevention of climate disasters and
restore these areas of major ecological importance.

COMMITMENTS
The Colombian Ocean Commission (COC) took part
in the event through its executive secretary, Captain
Juan Camilo Forero, who promoted the creation of a
National Committee for the Ocean Decade to be able
to examine and agree on actions and measures to
take to achieve targets set by the United Nations. Ce-
sar Toro, director of the UNESCO Office for the Carib-
bean, mentioned a proposal to create a global collec-
tive research forum to address shortcomings in terms
of capacities of regional states. Finally, with CONPES
3990, Colombia has committed to create planning
instruments for its coastal marine space, translating
its ocean conservation and sustainable use targets to
all regional levels.