Japan to finance blue carbon project in ASEAN

The government of Japan, together with the United Nations development programmed (UNDP) and ASEAN, launched the ASEAN blue carbon and finance profiling project in Jakarta on Wednesday. Through this initiative, the Japanese government will provide funding to ASEAN countries to develop blue carbon ecosystems over a 12-month period, in line with the Asean blue economy framework.

Blue carbon refers to the carbon dioxide absorbed and stored in coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, peatlands, and seagrass beds. Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN, Kiya Masahiko, said the project focuses on three key aspects of blue carbon ecosystems: environment, economy, and people. He emphasized that the project represents a business opportunity that will benefit coastal economies, environmental conservation, and local communities —particularly women.