Blue carbon refers to the carbon captured and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and salt marsh wetlands. These processes primarily occur through photosynthesis, sedimentation, and other dynamic processes. As global climate change intensifies, blue carbon ecosystems have emerged as critical natural carbon sinks, playing a pivotal role in achieving carbon neutrality and various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, multiple challenges persist within current research and practice: uncertainty in quantification methods and monitoring, ambiguity surrounding the long-term sequestration potential of blue carbon, and the impacts of climate change and human activity on coastal carbon sinks. Additionally, policy integration remains fragmented. Although the importance of marine ecological protection is acknowledged in the Paris Agreement and SDGs, blue carbon is often overlooked and lacks robust integration mechanisms, particularly with SDG13 (climate action), SDG14 (life below water), and SDG15 (life on land). A fragmented governance framework also presents challenges, with much of the international community still exploring definitions, financing mechanisms, and cross-regional cooperation, relying heavily on the capacity-building of developing nations.

This Research Topic aims to systematically explore the multifaceted roles of blue carbon ecosystems in enhancing carbon sequestration efficiency, conserving biodiversity, and fostering climate adaptation through interdisciplinary methodologies such as marine science, environmental economics, and policy analysis. This involves exploring how to integrate blue carbon more deeply into national climate action plans, create ecosystem-based adaptive management policies, and foster the integration of carbon trading markets with marine conservation efforts. Additionally, this endeavor advocates for the promotion of blue carbon financing through mechanisms like Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, as well as establishing cross-regional blue carbon databases and standards. Case studies, such as mangrove restoration projects improving community livelihoods, will highlight the contributions of blue carbon conservation to SDG1 (no poverty) and SDG8 (decent work), demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between ecological conservation and economic advancement.

To gather further insights into this field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Blue carbon ecosystem dynamic monitoring and assessment technology

- Collaborative evaluation model of blue carbon and SDGs

- Blue carbon policy innovation and international practice cases

- Vulnerability and adaptive management of the blue carbon system under climate change

- Technology transfer and financing mechanisms for blue carbon development in developing countries

We invite Original Research, Review, Policy and Practice Reviews, Community Case Study, and Technology and Code submissions to contribute to this Research Topic.

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Blue Carbon and Sustainable Development: Bridging Ecological and Policy Landscapes.