Seagrass meadows along Sri Lanka's coast capture carbon more than 30 times faster than rainforests, despite covering only 0.2% of the ocean floor. This article explains how these underwater plants store carbon in sediment for centuries, a process known as blue carbon. It also covers the decline of seagrass due to human activity and the potential for blue carbon credits to fund local protection efforts. The piece outlines how researchers are mapping seagrass and measuring carbon stocks, but notes that previous projects stalled due to unclear carbon rights and benefit sharing rules. If those regulatory gaps close, coastal communities could earn income by preserving seagrass instead of destroying it. For anyone tracking natural climate solutions or carbon credit supply, this is a concrete example of the challenges and opportunities in blue carbon projects.
