Core Insights - The 2025 Global Coastal Forum focused on "Blue Carbon" as a significant topic, highlighting its potential as a carbon sink that is 20 times larger than terrestrial carbon sinks and 50 times larger than atmospheric carbon sinks [1] - The forum marked the transition of "Blue Carbon" from a scientific concept to practical implementation, with the release of China's first assessment of blue carbon ecosystem carbon storage [1] Group 1: Blue Carbon Ecosystem Assessment - The Ministry of Natural Resources conducted a nationwide survey from 2021 to 2024, establishing a carbon density parameter database for blue carbon ecosystems, with over 7,000 data sets collected [2] - The survey revealed that sediment is the primary carbon storage medium, with mangrove ecosystems accounting for over 60% of total carbon storage, while seagrass beds and coastal salt marshes contribute up to 90% [2] Group 2: Practical Applications and Innovations - Jiangsu Yancheng has emerged as a leader in blue carbon practices, with annual carbon sequestration from coastal salt marshes estimated at 16,000 tons of CO2 equivalent, comparable to the annual emissions of 35,000 cars [3] - The first blue carbon transaction in China occurred in September 2023, where Tencent purchased 1,926 tons of CO2 reduction for 208,000 yuan, marking a significant step in the marketization of blue carbon ecological value [3] - Future projects include a second phase of salt marsh restoration expected to yield 32,000 tons of carbon sequestration, covering an area of 18,975 acres [3] Group 3: Ecological Restoration and Collaborative Efforts - Ecological restoration is emphasized as a key pathway to enhance blue carbon effects, with a focus on reforesting damaged mangroves rather than simply afforesting mudflats [4] - Experts at the forum discussed the need for differentiated strategies for coastal protection based on various coastal types, aiming to synergize with blue carbon ecosystem protection [4] - The forum's outcomes are expected to promote the restoration and protection of coastal blue carbon ecosystems, enhance data sharing, and contribute to global climate governance [4]