The IMA Supports MPEAD’s Blue Carbon Initiatives to Improve Systems for Carbon Dioxide Capture, Storage and Emission Tracking

The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) proudly joined the Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development (MPEAD) of Trinidad and Tobago on a regional initiative entitled ‘Strengthening Carbon Capture Storage and Reporting Frameworks and Mechanisms’ Project. Launched on June 30, 2025 at the Hyatt Hotel, Port of Spain, the project is funded by a Readiness Grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is being executed by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs) in conjunction with MPEAD. The IMA will be executing a component entitled ‘Assessing Mangrove Blue Carbon Storage and Sequestration in Trinidad and Tobago for Participation in Carbon Markets’.  Dr Rahanna Juman, IMA Deputy Director of Research and Mr Hamish Asmath, GIS Officer delivered informative presentations on their work at the project launch.

According to Dr. Juman, the goal of the Mangrove Blue Carbon Storage and Sequestration component is to “strengthen the blue carbon capture, storage, sequestration and reporting framework and mechanism in Trinidad and Tobago by assessing the above, belowground, and soil mangrove carbon stock in Trinidad and Tobago”.  This is done by quantifying the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide and methane from mangrove swamps and by developing and implementing a policy framework for Trinidad and Tobago to participation in international carbon markets.  The Deputy Director of Research further added that this project builds on other work being executed by the IMA such as the Technical Cooperation with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to Pilot a Blue Carbon Credit Scheme for Trinidad and Tobago.  Dr Juman highlighted the significance of mangrove forests as they provide coastal protection, habitats for a diversity for organisms, nurseries for juvenile fish and shellfish and support livelihoods through fishing and ecotourism. Most importantly, mangrove forests help mitigate the impact of climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.

Mr Asmath focused on the innovative methodology going to be used not only to determine carbon storage but to determine carbon and methane sequestration and emission.    Measurements for carbon sequestration would be taken at the leaf surface level and scaled up to represent the entire mangrove forest using satellite and other technologies, and for emission measurements would be taken in the water, soil and on the trees and scale up for the entire forest. 

An analysis of the regulatory and legislative framework required for successful execution of a blue carbon credit scheme will be undertaken and will build on work already initiated by MPEAD to develop a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System for carbon so Trinidad and Tobago can participate in carbon markets. The IMA joins the MPEAD in advancing environmental stewardship and ensuring a just transition to a more climate-resilient society.