2023.12.11 Mon.

13:00 - 14:15

Sustainably developing global blue carbon through international cooperation

Organizer

Ministry of the Environment Japan

Co-organizer

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia

Seminar abstract

Abstract

1. Blue carbon ecosystems are recognized as providing multiple benefits, including not only climate change mitigation but also the conservation of coastal environments and fisheries resources, tourism and local economic development. A wide variety of local blue carbon activities are being implemented around the world, taking into account local environmental and socio-economic conditions.
2. With a view to promoting local blue carbon activities, this event will provide a platform for multi-stakeholders related to blue carbon such as local government, private sector, non-governmental organization, civil society, fishery group to share their experiences and views on addressing issues related to local blue carbon activities with providing examples of continued activities.
3. The event will focus in particular on the key points necessary for the continued implementation of activities, such as the multiple benefits of blue carbon activities mentioned above, the involvement of local stakeholders, and securing continued funding.

Program

Welcoming remark -4 min-

1. Shintaro Ito Minister of the Environment, Japan
2. Hon Jenny McAllister Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy

Presentation of blue carbon activities -20 min-

1. Chika Kosugi Research & Development, Advanced Technology Research Laboratories, Nippon Steel Corporation from Japan
2. Ms. Chenae Neilson, Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Australia

Panel discussion -50 min-

1. Mr. Fumio Ito, Director of Decarbonized Society Promotion Office, the Ministry of the Environment Japan (MOEJ)
2. Ms. Chenae Neilson, Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Australia (DCCEEW)
3. Mr. Hiroetsu Aoyama, Director for Environmental Policy Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan (MLITTJ)
4. Dr. Kazuaki Takahashi, Executive Director for Climate Change Policy Headquarters, city of Yokohama
5. Dr. Chika Kosugi, Nippon Steel Corporation
6. Mr. Joao Sousa, Manager, Ocean Team Centre for Conservation Action, (International Union for Conservation of Nature) IUCN

Moderator

Dr. Atsushi Sato, Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co. Ltd.,

Speakers

In-person

• Shintaro Ito / Minister of the Environment, Japan
• Ms. Hon Jenny McAllister / Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy
• Fumio Ito / Director of Decarbonized Society Promotion Office, the Ministry of the Environment Japan
• Hiroetsu Aoyama / Director for Environmental Policy Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan
• Kazuaki Takahashi / Director of Climate Change Policy Headquarters, city of Yokohama, Japan
• Chika Kosugi / Research & Development, Advanced Technology Research Laboratories, Nippon Steel Corporation from Japan
• Mr. Joao Sousa / Ocean Team, Centre for Conservation Action, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Manager

Online

• Chenae Neilson / Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia

Related Links

• 【COP28UAE】Sustainably developing global blue carbon through international cooperation
• Blue Carbon Activities in Japan

Session Summary

An event "Sustainably developing global blue carbon through international cooperation" was held on 11.12.2023 at COP28 Japan Pavilion. About 30 in-person attendance and abut 100 on-line audience participated this event.
Prior to this event, it was reported that Ministry of the Environment Japan has joined the International Partnership for blue carbon which is lead by Australia. Ministers Japan and Australia exchanged a letter regarding cooperation in blue carbon initiatives and reaffirmed their intention to promote blue carbon initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region through international cooperation.
The event shared examples of blue carbon activity efforts by national and local governments in Japan, and the status of support for blue carbon activities promoted by the Australian government and NGOs. Nippon Steel corporation explained the company's blue carbon activities of seaweed bed restoration and creation considering the role of iron ions in the growth of seagrass and seaweeds. The MOEJ talked value of blue carbon initiatives and the promotion of blue carbon in Japan, including establishment of Blue Carbon Liaison Council, the intention of reporting seagrass and seaweed in the GHG inventory, and the release of case studies of blue carbon initiatives in Japan. MLITTJ explained the promotion blue carbon ecosystems to achieve net zero emissions at ports, including explanation of J blue credit system (domestic carbon off-set system). Yokohama City introduced regional blue carbon projects that Yokohama-City has been promoted. Australia's DCCEEW provided information on the status of blue carbon activities in Australia and the status of international initiatives. IUCN provided information on their support of blue carbon activities through two international funding scheme relating to blue carbon. Finally, each panelist pointed out the key points and issues that need to be addressed in advancing these initiatives.