Search
The Ministry of the Environment plans to plant mangroves to reduce carbon emissions, but scholars worry about counterproductive effects of harming biodiversity

July 18, 2024 | PTS, Taiwan | (In Chinese)

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing the methodology for expanding mangrove forests as a carbon sequestration strategy. While mangroves are globally acknowledged as crucial blue carbon ecosystems, local experts are concerned that this initiative may have unintended negative effects on ecology and biodiversity.

In Taiwan, most mangrove species are non-native. Experts, including Professor Shih Hsiu-Teh from National Chung Hsing University, caution that if the carbon storage in mangrove sediments cannot be assured, the benefits of such planting may be minimal or even counterproductive, potentially exacerbating carbon emissions. Specific areas like Hsinchu Xiangshan, Taipei Guandu, Changhua Wangong, and Fangyuan are already experiencing issues due to overexpansion.

Scholars and environmental groups advocate for a focus on reducing actual emissions rather than depending solely on natural carbon sinks. They warn that without effective sediment carbon storage, planting mangroves could have adverse ecological impacts, akin to planting betel nuts on slopes, which would damage biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The Ministry of Environment is aware of these concerns and is addressing them in its review process. Additionally, the ministry faces difficulties in accurately calculating carbon credits for mangrove projects. Environmental groups stress that carbon offset initiatives must prioritize native ecosystems to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.

Viewed Articles
The Ministry of the Environment plans to plant mangroves to reduce carbon emissions, but scholars worry about counterproductive effects of harming biodiversity
July 18, 2024 | PTS, Taiwan | (In Chinese)Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing the methodology for expanding mangrove forests as a carbon sequestration strategy. While mangroves are
Read More
Seaweed farms face hurdles in scaling up across the US
September 09, 2024 | Klean Industries | Ocean Rainforest, a company aiming to fight climate change through large-scale seaweed farming, has launched an 86-acre open-ocean seaweed farm off the coast of
Cabinet approves BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for fostering high performance biomanufacturing
August 24, 2024 | PMINDIA.gov | The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the 'BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy,' spearheaded by
Agreena achieves Verra registration landmark for soil carbon market
January 17, 2025 | Carbon Herald | Agreena has achieved a major milestone by becoming the first large-scale cropland project registered under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) VM0042 for Improved
Swedish seaweed startup Nordic SeaFarm secures €2.1M from EIT InnoEnergy, Inter IKEA, others
August 27, 2024 | 10 Silicon Canals | Nordic SeaFarm, a sustainable seaweed cultivation company based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has secured 25M SEK (€2.1M) from lead investors InnoEnergy and Inter IKEA.
Regenerative agriculture is changing how we make wine — and combating climate change
August 16, 2024 | World Economic Forum | The global wine industry, valued at over $300 billion, is increasingly influencing consumers and producers towards regenerative viticulture, a growing nature-p
TOP