Carbon projects, particularly those focused on land carbon and blue carbon, play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity while addressing climate change. In Indonesia, which is home to some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems, these projects offer significant opportunities for conservation and sustainable development.
Challenge in Biodiversity Loss
One of the primary challenges is the ongoing loss of biodiversity due to climate change and land-use changes. As ecosystems degrade, their ability to sequester carbon diminishes. This creates a feedback loop where climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss, further reducing carbon storage capacity.
But, many carbon projects have historically favored monoculture plantations for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, these low-biodiversity projects often result in poorer carbon sequestration outcomes and increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and wildfires.
Research has shown that diverse ecosystems are more resilient and better able to withstand environmental stresses, making biodiversity a critical factor in the success of carbon projects.
Side Quest in Maintaining Biodiversity
Both land and blue carbon projects contribute to preserving critical habitats for numerous species. For instance, mangroves serve as breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, while forests provide shelter for terrestrial wildlife
Combining carbon sequestration goals with biodiversity objectives can enhance project outcomes. For instance, restoring degraded ecosystems with a focus on native species can improve both carbon storage and habitat quality for wildlife
By promoting sustainable practices, these projects can reduce habitat destruction caused by agriculture or logging. This not only helps maintain biodiversity but also enhances ecosystem resilience against climate change.
Carbon projects enhance ecosystem services that are vital for both human communities and wildlife. These include water filtration, soil stabilization, and protection against natural disasters like floods and storms
Specific projects in Indonesia have shown promising results in protecting endangered species. For example, the Rimba Raya project protects over 64,000 hectares of peat swamp forest, providing a refuge for species such as the Bornean orangutan and the clouded leopard
By integrating local communities into carbon projects, these initiatives create sustainable job opportunities while promoting biodiversity conservation. This approach not only supports livelihoods but also fosters stewardship of natural resources
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Author: Ainur Subhan, Editor: Sabilla Reza
References:
Bond, A. J., O’Connor, P. J., & Cavagnaro, T. R. (2024). Carbonservation with Demonstrated Biodiversity and Carbon Gains: Carbon Can Pay But Biodiversity Must Lead. Environmental management, 73(4), 742–752. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-023-01928-4
Pritchard, L (2024) How voluntary carbon markets can boost biodiversity. Retrieved from: https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/blog/how-voluntary-carbon-markets-can-boost-biodiversity
Díaz, D. C., (2024) Choosing Forest Carbon Projects: Why Biodiversity Matters Most. Retrieved from: https://www.terraformation.com/blog/choosing-forest-carbon-projects-why-biodiversity-matters
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Dzakira, S (2024) How Blue Carbon Projects are Saving Indonesia’s Coastline. Retrieved from: https://www.fairatmos.com/blog/how-blue-carbon-projects-are-saving-indonesias-coastline.
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