November 25-27, 2024, Cordova, Cebu – CCEF, in partnership with OceanPixel, successfully conducted a three-day intensive Blue Carbon Training Program in Cordova, Cebu. This program brought together local government units, environmental advocates, and community leaders to delve into the potential of Blue Carbon ecosystems in combating climate change and supporting coastal resilience.
The training, supported by expert resource persons, focused on enhancing participants’ technical knowledge and practical skills in Blue Carbon ecosystem management. The dynamic sessions included interactive lectures, hands-on activities, and fieldwork to equip attendees with actionable tools for conservation and sustainable development.
Day 1: Setting the Foundation
The first day began with a warm welcome from a representative of LGU Cordova and an inspiring message from Dr. Alan White, setting the tone for a dynamic learning experience. Guided by expert resource persons Ms. Karen Gatus, and Engr. Kristina Di V. Ticman of OceanPixel, participants delved into the fundamentals of Blue Carbon ecosystems—mangroves, seagrasses, and tidal marshes—highlighting their vital role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Key discussions covered the ecological and economic importance of these ecosystems, the methods for measuring carbon pools such as Above-Ground Biomass (AGB) and Below-Ground Biomass (BGB), and data collection techniques including vegetation surveys, sediment coring, and remote sensing.
Day 2: From Theory to Practice
Participants took their learning to the field and conducted mangrove area carbon estimation, combining on-site data collection with measurement techniques. Back at the training center, they processed the collected data to calculate carbon storage and sequestration potential. A hands-on session further enriched their understanding, demonstrating the application of equations and computations to derive
Day 3: Sustaining Efforts for the Future
The final day emphasized the practical applications of Blue Carbon data within the framework of the Blue Economy. Participants delved into strategies for long-term monitoring, effective data management, and integrating Blue Carbon insights into policy and sustainable development plans. A highlight was Mr. Joey Gatus’s engaging discussion on resource valuation, which underscored the economic benefits of conserving Blue Carbon ecosystems. Other key topics included unlocking opportunities through Blue Carbon crediting for carbon financing and ensuring the sustainability and impact of conservation initiatives with robust monitoring practices.
Blue Carbon ecosystems are vital in the fight against climate change, capturing and storing vast amounts of carbon while providing essential ecosystem services. They protect coastlines from erosion, support rich biodiversity, and sustain local livelihoods. Beyond environmental benefits, these ecosystems unlock opportunities for income generation through the Blue Economy, including carbon financing, ecotourism, and sustainable fisheries. This training program empowered communities with the knowledge and skills to harness these benefits, enabling them to take active roles in environmental stewardship while fostering economic growth through conservation.
