Evaluating Blue Carbon Potential of Indonesian Seagrass Ecosystems

Abstract

Seagrass ecosystems are increasingly recognized as significant blue carbon sinks that contribute to climate change mitigation while supporting coastal biodiversity and fisheries. However, their carbon sequestration potential in Indonesia remains insufficiently quantified due to limited spatial assessments and ecological monitoring. This study evaluates the blue carbon potential of seagrass meadows across selected coastal regions by integrating field sampling, sediment carbon analysis, species composition surveys, and satellite-based habitat mapping. Carbon stocks in aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, and sediments were estimated following internationally accepted blue carbon protocols. The results indicate considerable variation in carbon storage among seagrass species and environmental conditions, with dense and undisturbed meadows exhibiting substantially higher carbon stocks than degraded habitats. Human disturbances, including coastal reclamation, tourism, and pollution, were identified as major factors reducing carbon sequestration capacity. Conversely, protected coastal areas demonstrated greater ecosystem stability and carbon retention. The findings highlight the importance of conserving seagrass ecosystems as nature-based solutions for climate mitigation while maintaining fisheries productivity and coastal resilience. Integrating blue carbon valuation into national coastal management policies could strengthen Indonesia's contribution to global climate commitments and support sustainable marine resource governance.