Delta Blue Carbon

Overview

The Delta Blue Carbon – 1 Project (DBC-1) represents a transformative initiative aimed at mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and uplifting marginalized communities in the Indus River Delta area of Pakistan. Spanning 350,000 hectares, this project focuses on afforestation and restoration of mangroves and wetlands, crucial ecosystems that sequester significant amounts of carbon and harbor diverse flora and fauna. Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive conservation efforts, DBC-1 demonstrates a multifaceted approach to sustainable development, addressing pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges in one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.

Environmental impact

As the largest arid climate mangroves in the world by area, the mangroves of the Indus River Delta play a vital role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. The DBC-1 Project aims to restore over 224,000 hectares of mangrove forests, effectively removing over 142 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) over its 60-year lifespan. By regenerating degraded mangrove lands and engaging local communities in conservation efforts, the project safeguards critical habitats for migratory birds and endangered species while enhancing the resilience of coastal ecosystems to climate change-induced threats such as sea-level rise and salinity intrusion.

Social benefits

With over 42,000 people residing in 60 coastal villages within the project area, DBC-1 prioritizes community empowerment and socio-economic development. Through initiatives such as Mangrove Stewardship Agreements and employment opportunities for locals, the project fosters a sense of ownership and stewardship among communities, thereby promoting sustainable management of natural resources. Moreover, by providing access to education, healthcare, clean drinking water, and alternative livelihoods, DBC-1 enhances the well-being and resilience of marginalized populations, breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency on mangrove resources.

Certification

Certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Gold standards, DBC-1 has been recognized for its exemplary performance in delivering tangible benefits to both the environment and local communities. With over 3.5 million tCO2e of emission removals achieved to date and significant investments in community development and biodiversity conservation, the project has made substantial progress towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), contributing to poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and social equity on a global scale. The DBC-1 Project is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development. Led by the Sindh Forest and Wildlife Department in collaboration with Indus Delta Capital Limited, the project leverages expertise in forest carbon project design and management to achieve its conservation objectives. Through rigorous monitoring and validation processes, the project upholds the highest standards of governance and accountability, ensuring transparency and integrity in all its activities.

Documentation