ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) convened the ASEAN Regional Workshop on Blue Carbon and Finance Profiling on 27–28 November in Jakarta to strengthen the science–policy interface supporting climate action in coastal and freshwater ecosystems.
Held at the Ministry of National Development Planning/BAPPENAS, the regional workshop is part of the ASEAN Blue Carbon and Finance Profiling (ABCFP) Project, a regional initiative funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP Indonesia in collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Task Force on Blue Economy (ACTF-BE).
The project supports ASEAN Member States in understanding the condition and economic value of coastal and blue ecosystems to formulate targeted policies and attract financing for conservation and restoration efforts.
Thirty technical experts from all 11 ASEAN Member States gathered to review data-collection methodologies, refine analytical approaches, and develop 11 national Blue Carbon Profiles and 11 national Blue Finance Profiles, as well as two supporting regional profiles.
These profiles—set to be launched in March 2026—are expected to provide governments with clearer insights into blue carbon assets and financing needs, enabling more actionable coastal protection policies, stronger climate strategies, and increased investment in sustainable blue-economy sectors.
Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, and peatlands are highly valuable yet fragile natural assets. They store significant amounts of carbon, support fisheries, protect shorelines from erosion, and sustain coastal livelihoods.
However, pressures from land conversion, pollution, and climate change continue to intensify. Through ABCFP, ASEAN countries aim to close data and financing gaps by mapping blue-ecosystem potential, identifying enabling policy conditions, and outlining opportunities for public, private, and innovative financing.
Representing ASEAN as Shepherd of ACTF-BE, Dr. Eka Chandra Buana, Deputy Minister for Macro Development at BAPPENAS, emphasized that strengthening blue carbon and blue finance is a key pillar of ASEAN’s blue-economy agenda.
“This workshop demonstrates how ASEAN Member States can work collectively to enhance shared knowledge and develop approaches that advance sustainable development across the region,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr. Chujo Kazuo, Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan to ASEAN, reaffirmed Japan’s strong partnership with ASEAN and its commitment to supporting a sustainable blue economy.
He stated: “Japan recognizes the importance of collaborating with regional partners and local experts. Expertise must be grounded in local knowledge, and policies must be shaped through regional ownership.”
He added: “This work is complex, but its potential impact is immense. Through this project, we are taking an important step toward protecting vital ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience, creating sustainable economic opportunities, and safeguarding prosperity and security in the region.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, highlighted the depth of scientific collaboration behind the profiling effort.
“This profiling process involves 98 individual experts from 35 academic and research institutions across ASEAN and Timor-Leste. This is a substantial scientific community for the region, and the networks built through this initiative can continue to support the ACTF-BE in advancing its agenda,” she explained.
She added that the two-day workshop was designed as an intensive working session to refine drafts, strengthen assumptions, identify linkages between carbon analysis and financing, and understand common patterns and differences across countries.
Throughout the workshop, participants discussed data integration, valuation methods, and financing frameworks to ensure that the final profiles serve as practical tools for national and regional policymakers.
ABCFP is part of the Japan–ASEAN Blue Economy Cooperation initiative, which aims to strengthen regional collaboration, expand nature-based climate solutions, and advance a resilient and inclusive blue economy across ASEAN. (AT Network)
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