Ecobiz.asia – ASEAN, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially launched the ASEAN Blue Carbon and Finance Profiling (ABCF) Project in Jakarta on Wednesday (May 21, 2025).
The initiative aims to accelerate the development of a sustainable blue economy in Southeast Asia through enhanced blue carbon ecosystem management and innovative financing solutions.
Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Indonesia, the project is coordinated under the ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy (ACTF-BE) and aligned with the ASEAN Blue Economy Framework.
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ABCF focuses on identifying, mapping, and assessing carbon stocks in coastal and marine ecosystems such as seagrass meadows and peatlands. It applies a science-based approach using satellite technology and field assessments to develop actionable blue carbon profiles.
The project is expected to generate findings and policy recommendations to inform high-level ASEAN dialogues and mobilize climate finance for coastal ecosystem restoration and protection.
“The blue economy has become a key driver of regional growth while preserving aquatic resources,” said Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Economic Community.
He added that blue carbon markets are emerging as new revenue opportunities for countries investing in ecosystem conservation.
Southeast Asia is home to approximately 33% of the world’s seagrass meadows and nearly 40% of known tropical peatlands, making it a critical region for climate change mitigation.
However, this potential remains largely untapped due to technical, policy, and financing barriers.
Japan’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Kiya Masahiko, said the project reflects Japan’s strong commitment to environmental protection and climate resilience.
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“Through strategic collaboration and partnerships, we can build a regional platform for blue carbon measurement and blue sector financing to support climate action and sustainable growth,” he stated.
UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative Norimasa Shimomura described the ABCF initiative as a cost-effective, nature-based solution.
“Through this initiative, we are bridging science, policy, and finance to maximize blue carbon benefits for sustainable development,” he said. ***
