世界发展银行-Pakistan-Blue-Carbon-Rapid-Assessment---Policy-Recommendations-for-the-Revision-of-Nationally-Determined-Contribution_78页_7mb

Summary of Pakistan: Blue Carbon Rapid Assessment - Policy Recommendations for the Revision of Nationally Determined Contribution

Core Content

This document presents a rapid assessment of blue carbon ecosystems in Pakistan and offers policy recommendations for the revision of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in the context of the Paris Agreement. The assessment highlights the potential of blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows, in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It emphasizes the need for improved inventory, valuation, and policy frameworks to support the integration of blue carbon into Pakistan’s climate strategy.

Main Objectives

• To evaluate blue carbon exposure and carbon stock trends in Pakistan.
• To identify the potential of blue carbon ecosystems for climate action.
• To support the GoP in enhancing its NDC commitments through blue carbon.
• To provide a foundation for a Blue Carbon Action and Financing Roadmap.

Key Points

Blue Carbon Ecosystems

• Blue carbon refers to carbon stored in coastal wetlands, including mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows.
• These ecosystems are critical for carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
• Mangroves in the Indus Delta are the seventh largest arid mangrove ecosystem globally.
• Tidal marshes and seagrass meadows are under-researched, with limited data on their extent and carbon storage potential.

Current Status of Blue Carbon in Pakistan

• Mangroves cover approximately 1,464 sq. km. as of 2020.
• Total carbon stored in mangroves and tidal marshes is estimated at 21 million tonnes of organic carbon or 76.4 million tonnes of CO₂e.
• Mangroves in Karachi and Balochistan remain at risk due to coastal development and climate change.

Policy and Legal Framework

• Pakistan has a National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) 2012 and a Framework for Implementation (2014–2030).
• Sindh has the Sindh Environment Protection Act 2014 (SEPA), while Balochistan has the Balochistan Environment Protection Act 2012.
• These policies address environmental protection, waste management, and coastal zone management but lack specific focus on blue carbon.

International Trends and Commitments

• The Paris Agreement (COP21) has prompted 196 countries to commit to reducing GHG emissions and enhancing climate resilience.
• The Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under Article 13 requires countries to use IPCC guidelines for GHG reporting, including the 2013 Wetlands Supplement.
• Nature-based solutions (NbS) are considered more cost-effective than technology-based solutions for climate action.
• Blue carbon ecosystems are highlighted as a key NbS for carbon sequestration and adaptation.

Carbon Financing and Economic Potential

• Blue carbon carbon financing is in its early stages, with few small projects and potential for larger investments.
• Mangrove reforestation could remove 25 million tonnes of CO₂ by 2050, generating revenue of $75 million at a terrestrial forest carbon credit price of $3, and $300–500 million at a blue carbon price of $12–20.
• Carbon removals could continue beyond 2050, offering sustained financial benefits.

Policy Gaps

• There is a lack of a comprehensive coastal management plan in Pakistan.
• Limited data and capacity for blue carbon inventory and reporting.
• Weak institutional coordination and implementation mechanisms for blue carbon.
• Insufficient integration of blue carbon into NDCs and climate policy frameworks.

Key Recommendations

Research and Outreach

• Improve mapping and monitoring of blue carbon ecosystems over time.
• Update national GHG inventory and prepare for national NDC accounting using the 2013 IPCC Wetlands Supplement.
• Evaluate key pressures on blue carbon ecosystems in Pakistan.
• Invest in research to evaluate and map co-benefits provided by blue carbon ecosystems.
• Strengthen education, training, and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Blue Carbon Implementation

• Review and improve institutional arrangements for blue carbon management.
• Enhance capacity building for policy and technical implementation.
• Review and implement climate change adaptation strategies for coastal wetlands.
• Review and implement climate change mitigation actions related to blue carbon.
• Seek diverse financial resources and modalities to support blue carbon conservation and restoration.

Strategic Priority Actions

• A Blue Carbon Action and Financing Roadmap should be developed covering the next 5–10 years.
• The roadmap should outline key responsibilities, tasks, and follow-up actions for institutional arrangements and governance strategies.
• It should also include engagement with local communities, civil society, and private sector actors for effective implementation.

Conclusion

The revision of Pakistan’s NDC offers a critical opportunity to incorporate blue carbon ecosystems into the country’s climate strategy. By enhancing the scope, methodological approaches, and financial mechanisms for blue carbon, Pakistan can strengthen its climate resilience, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable development. The integration of blue carbon into the NDC process should be supported by robust research, stakeholder engagement, and institutional reforms.

Key Information

• Document Title: Pakistan: Blue Carbon Rapid Assessment - Policy Recommendations for the Revision of Nationally Determined Contribution
• Date: May 2021
• Author: World Bank Task Team
• Funding: PROBLUE multi-donor trust fund
• Key Ecosystems: Mangroves, tidal marshes, seagrass meadows
• Estimated Carbon Stocks: 21 million tonnes of organic carbon or 76.4 million tonnes of CO₂e
• Economic Potential: $75 million to $300–500 million from carbon credits
• Main Stakeholders: Ministry of Climate Change, Sindh and Balochistan governments, local communities, civil society, private sector

References

• Bindoff et al. 2019
• McLeod et al. 2011
• Herr and Landis 2016
• Duarte 2017
• UN Global Compact 2019
• Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change India 2015
• Government of Bangladesh 2015
• World Bank, 2021

Tables and Figures

• Table 3.1: Biodiversity hotspots along Pakistani coasts, marine ecosystems, and protected areas.
• Table 4.1: List of Pakistan’s MEAs, Conventions, and Protocols for protecting blue carbon ecosystems.
• Table 5.1: Distribution of blue carbon ecosystems in Pakistan.
• Table 5.2: Mean carbon stocks for each ecosystem type in Pakistan.
• Table 5.3: First-pass estimate of blue carbon stocks in mangroves and tidal marshes.
• Table 4.5: Pakistan Readiness Assessment.
• Figure 2.1: Sampling of blue carbon in mangroves.
• Figure 2.2: Ecosystem services and resources provided by mangroves.
• Figure 2.3: Parties including blue carbon actions under NDC categories.
• Figure 7.1: Pakistan Blue Carbon Ecosystem Roadmap.
• Figure 7.2: Global and national blue carbon stocks.

Glossary

• Blue Carbon: Carbon stored in coastal wetlands.
• NDC: Nationally Determined Contribution.
• REDD+: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
• ETF: Enhanced Transparency Framework.
• PES: Payments for Environmental Services.
• SEPA: Sindh Environment Protection Agency.
• CDA: Coastal Development Authority.
• NIO: National Institute of Oceanography.

Units

• Hectare (ha): 1 ha = 0.01 sq. km.
• Kilometer (km): 1 km = 0.62 miles = 3280.84 feet.
• Tonne (t): 1 t = 907.185 kg = 200 pounds.
• Gallon (G): 1 G = 3.78 liters.
• Acre (A): 1 A = 0.40 ha.
• Foot (ft.): 1 ft. = 0.30 meter.
• Celsius (C): 1°C = 32°F.
• Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 152.92 PKR (May 2021).