In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Emily Kelly from the Blue Carbon Action Network at the World Economic Forum. They discuss the tangible actions to combat climate change through restoration and blue carbon projects, focusing on restoring mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses. Emily highlights the human-centric approach of these projects, which not only benefit the environment but also support local communities.

Tune in to learn more about the global, national, and local efforts to protect the ocean and combat climate change.

Website: https://www.bluecarbonactionpartnership.org/home

Engaging in public comment opportunities and community discussions can play a crucial role in preventing the development of natural areas for human-centric purposes. As discussed in the podcast episode with Emily Kelly from the Blue Carbon Action Network, the importance of being aware of the natural areas around you and taking action to protect them was highlighted.

For example, the episode mentioned a situation where Florida State Parks were at risk of being developed into golf courses and resorts. Organizations like the National Audubon Society and other conservation groups raised awareness about public comment periods and public meetings to allow the community to voice their concerns. This led to a delay in the development plans, showcasing the power of public engagement in protecting natural areas.

By participating in public comment opportunities and community discussions, individuals can have a say in the decision-making process regarding the development of natural areas. It allows community members to express their concerns, share their perspectives, and advocate for the preservation of these valuable ecosystems. Public engagement can bring attention to the importance of these areas for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, and community well-being.

Furthermore, spreading awareness about public comment opportunities within local neighborhoods can mobilize more individuals to participate in the decision-making process. By discussing the significance of preserving natural areas and encouraging community involvement, people can collectively work towards safeguarding these ecosystems for future generations. Public engagement serves as a powerful tool in advocating for the protection of natural areas and ensuring sustainable development practices that prioritize environmental conservation.

Celebrating successes and rewarding behavior that uplifts the ocean is a crucial aspect of contributing to ocean protection efforts. In the podcast episode, Emily Kelly emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting companies with sustainable practices. By investing in tourism destinations or purchasing seafood from companies that prioritize ecosystem management, individuals can actively contribute to protecting the ocean. Additionally, engaging with companies that are making positive impacts on the environment and supporting their initiatives can help drive positive change.

The episode highlighted the significance of valuing blue carbon ecosystems and the core benefits they provide to local communities. By acknowledging and promoting the successes of projects that focus on restoring mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, individuals can play a role in encouraging sustainable practices. This positive reinforcement can incentivize more companies and organizations to prioritize environmental conservation and invest in projects that benefit both the ecosystem and local communities.

Furthermore, being aware of local ecosystems and advocating for their protection through public comment processes, as discussed in the episode, is another way individuals can actively participate in ocean protection efforts. By engaging in community discussions and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural areas, individuals can contribute to safeguarding blue carbon habitats and promoting sustainable practices in their regions.

The past two episodes have focused on Blue Carbon Habitats such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and kelp forests and their importance for sequestering carbon and reducing Climate Change. 

In this episode, I discuss why we don't discuss Blue Carbon habitats when we talk about conservation and how you can get involved in more Blue Carbon projects. 

Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/

Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue

Blue Carbon habitats can sequester more carbon than the Amazon Forests. Mangroves, Seagrass Meadows, Salt Marshes, and Kelp Forests are all considered Blue Carbon habitats and play a large role in reducing the effects of Climate Change. 

Unfortunately, Blue Carbon habitats have been destroyed due to development priorities along the coastline. Restoring the habitats can be expensive, but is considered necessary if we want to significantly reduce Climate Change.

WILDCOAST has been working for over 10 years on a Blue Carbon Program that includes a Mangrove restoration initiative, where the staff work in collaboration with local communities along the Pacific Coast in Mexico and Southern California to protect existing Blue Carbon habitats and restore those that were gone. 

Join The Virtual Happy Hour to find out how you could get involved in projects such as these on Tuesday, May 25th at 5-6pm PST: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/natural-climate-solutions-virtual-happy-hour-tickets-152932048875?sm_guid=NDAzNDcxfDExMjYzNDcwfC0xfGRvbmF0ZUB3aWxkY29hc3QubmV0fDM1NDA1NDR8fDB8MHw4NDkyNDg4NXw4NjJ8MHwwfHwzODcwMDk1

Find out more about the Project:
Blue Carbon Program: https://wildcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WILDCOAST-Blue-Carbon-Program.pdf

WILDCOAST: https://wildcoast.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/20-Years-of-WILDCOAST.pdf

WILDCOAST's website: https://wildcoast.org/

Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/

Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue

The common practice when discussing the reduction of Climate Change is to mention trees that sequester carbon through photosynthesis. There are additional ways to sequester carbon that often get ignored, which is to look under the ocean's surface. 

Seagrass, mangroves, salt marshes, and kelp forests all play an important role in sequestering carbon and do it way more than trees (and faster). These habitats are also known as Blue Carbon.

Countries are using Blue Carbon strategies to help sequester more carbon. The UK is using it to revitalize Plymouth Sound by planting seagrass seedlings that will make up 4 hectares of underwater habitat. The restoration project will include more than just Blue Carbon benefits, it will also include benefits such as nursery habitat and will solidify the sediment. 

Link to Article: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/natural-england-ocean-marine-conservation-society-b930947.html?fbclid=IwAR1tfzyfxpXLxBS-1JVgoc_Fs-qn9EueYQJ0HcQkQtPb1QomkFe1FDYAMSQ

Want To Talk Oceans? Join the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

Speak Up For Blue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupforblue/

Speak Up For Blue Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpforBlue