Blue carbon is the carbon held in coastal habitats, including mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These ecosystems absorb carbon as they grow and can store it in the sediments beneath them. Protecting and restoring them supports long-term carbon storage, while providing nurseries for marine life and helping protect shorelines from erosion.
Located along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, the Gulf of Morrosquillo is home to some of the region’s most ecologically valuable mangrove and marine-coastal ecosystems. This area includes key protected zones such as the mangroves of Cispatá Bay, La Balsa-Tinajones, the estuarine delta of the Sinú River, La Caimanera’s lagoons and mangrove systems, and the Boca de Guacamayas sector. These ecosystems not only play a vital role in biodiversity conservation but also support the livelihoods and cultural heritage of local communities.
The Blue Carbon Project in the Gulf of Morrosquillo is a grouped initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the improved management, restoration, and protection of these mangrove forests. Launched on 15 May 2015 with a 30-year timeline, the project targets an estimated reduction of 1,221,717 tCO2e. Its approach is centred on four strategic pillars: strengthening local governance, supporting alternative sustainable livelihoods, rehabilitating degraded mangrove areas, and implementing robust monitoring systems.
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At the heart of the Blue Carbon Project is its significant contribution to climate change mitigation. By protecting and restoring mangrove forests—one of the most effective natural carbon sinks—the project plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Over its 30-year duration, it aims to avoid the release of more than 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂e into the atmosphere. These emissions reemovals are achieved through targeted activities like preventing deforestation, rehabilitating degraded mangrove areas, and implementing long-term forest management practices. By securing the carbon storage potential of these ecosystems, the project also strengthens regional resilience to climate impacts, such as rising sea levels and storm surges.
The Gulf of Morrosquillo is home to rich mangrove and marine-coastal biodiversity, including several protected and ecologically sensitive areas. The Blue Carbon Project safeguards this natural heritage by maintaining hydrobiological connectivity, which is vital for the health of marine and coastal ecosystems. This includes interconnected waterways and nutrient flows that support diverse species. The project specifically helps conserve threatened species, such as the West Indian manatee and the needle caiman, both of which rely on healthy mangrove habitats. Ongoing monitoring and restoration efforts contribute to the long-term survival of these ecosystems, supporting not only wildlife but the overall ecological balance of the Caribbean coast.
Beyond environmental goals, the project is designed to uplift local communities. It enhances local governance capacity, empowering communities to take an active role in managing and protecting natural resources. This includes training, institutional support, and the development of community-led conservation initiatives. The project also promotes sustainable livelihoods, such as eco-tourism, artisanal fishing, and mangrove-friendly agriculture, which reduce dependence on extractive practices and generate stable income. By creating employment opportunities, particularly through alternative productive projects and forest monitoring roles, the project strengthens economic resilience. Ultimately, it helps to foster a deeper sense of stewardship and ownership among local residents for the mangrove ecosystems they rely on.
The project creates sustainable income-generating opportunities for local communities, particularly through conservation work and alternative livelihoods that reduce reliance on extractive activities.
The project fosters job creation by employing local residents in mangrove monitoring, restoration, and community governance roles
By protecting high-carbon ecosystems like mangroves, the project contributes significantly to climate mitigation, avoiding over 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂e emissions over its lifetime.
The project protects vital marine-coastal interfaces, improving water quality and preserving breeding grounds essential for fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic life.
By conserving and restoring mangrove forests, the project supports terrestrial biodiversity and protects habitat for vulnerable species such as the West Indian manatee and needle caiman.
These partners help deliver the project and verify its impact.
The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program is the world's most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program.
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Projects developed under the CCB Program must follow a rigorous assessment process to be certified. The CCB Standards are managed by Verra but were developed through a multi-stakeholder process by the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance, a partnership of CARE, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, the Rainforest Alliance and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
