In this virtual side event at the UN Ocean Conference we present a new report ‘Reducing the ecosystem-based carbon footprint of coastal engineering’. We demonstrate that the carbon footprint of coastal engineering projects is more significant and complex than previously thought. This is because engineering activities such as land reclamation, port development and coastal protection interfere with the carbon cycle of sediments and coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes, both on or off-site.
Recording of the event available now
To support actors that finance, commission, design or implement coastal engineering projects, we developed a new and pragmatic approach to determine the ecosystem-based carbon footprint of these projects. Once the carbon footprint is calculated, it becomes possible to identify management options to reduce it as well as opportunities to enhance blue carbon sequestration by applying the Building with Nature approach to integrate nature into engineering.
Current efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from coastal engineering focus mostly on the emissions related to the deployment of construction vessels and the supply of materials such as concrete and steel. However, the impact of these projects on the carbon balance of nearby coastal wetlands may be far greater. Bringing these down is an important step for the sector to reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in line with the Paris Agreement.
Programme
Date and time of the event: 30 June 2022, 10-11.00 am UTC+2 / CEST (9-10.00 am WEST)
- Presentation of the report ‘Reducing the ecosystem-based carbon footprint of coastal engineering’ by Femke Tonneijck (Programme Head Wetland Carbon, Wetlands International)
- Moderated panel discussion with Daan Rijks (Tender Manager and Business Development at Boskalis), Brenden Jongman (Nature-Based Solutions Program Lead at World Bank) and Paul Erftemeijer (Principal Marine Scientist), in which we will discuss opportunities for the water sector and investors to use the new methodology as a step towards climate and ecosystem friendly coastal engineering.
Registration
Please register here for the side event
Download the Report
Reducing the ecosystem-based carbon footprint of coastal engineering - Executive Summary
download
Reducing the ecosystem-based carbon footprint of coastal engineering - Technical publication
downloadThe report is developed by Wetlands International in collaboration with :
and 
We fully support the UN Oceans Conference aim to scale up innovative solutions aimed at a sustainably managed ocean that includes addressing the loss of habitats and biodiversy.
Save our Ocean, Protect our Future
Visit the website of the UN Oceans Conference for more information