Connecting humans to the blue carbon ecosystem

A study led by researchers at Hokkaido University showed that by addressing three main factors, the social vulnerability of coastal communities and their dependence on blue carbon ecosystem services may be improved

Ecosystem services (ES) are the benefits that nature provides to humans

A group of scientists from Japan and the Philippines, including TE Angela Quiros, Dr.

Seagrass ecosystems and their fisheries are more susceptible to loss and degradation than mangrove ecosystems and fisheries, because it requires more effort to capture the same number of fish from the seagrass ecosystem than the mangrove ecosystem

In communities that are more dependent on income from fisheries and tourism, socio-economic sensitivity has increased

Scientists studied the responses of ten fishing communities in Busuanga Island, Palawan Province, Philippines to the loss or degradation of blue carbon ecosystems (ie, seagrass and mangroves)

In all communities, the ability to adapt is limited due to lack of education, but due to diversified livelihoods and information and actions taken from NGOs and community organizations, adaptability has been improved

Angela Quiros said: "Our research results show that it is necessary to improve educational opportunities, increase the activities of non-governmental organizations and the number of organizations around the blue carbon ecosystem, and initiate fair fisheries management for fragile seagrass and mangrove fisheries

DOI

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