Coastal blue carbon ecosystems: Integrating habitat dynamics, carbon sequestration, and governance for climate mitigation

Abstract

Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs), which include mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds, are essential natural carbon sinks that help provide crucial ecosystem services, including biodiversity preservation and coastline protection. To consolidate data on ecosystem and habitat changes, carbon stocks and fluxes, adaptation and resilience, anthropogenic consequences, and policy frameworks, using PRISMA guidelines, this study systematically examined 35 peer-reviewed publications published between 2015 and 2025. Mangrove spread into salt marshes is one example of how climate change-driven habitat migration has been shown to improve carbon sequestration. On the other hand, there are serious risks from human activities like pollution, land-use change, and coastline reclamation. To ensure long-term sustainability, science-based policies, strong governance, and financial incentives are necessary for effective conservation and restoration. To maximize BCEs' potential to mitigate climate change, the assessment identifies information gaps and stresses the necessity of coordinated methods.