Inaugural IORA Blue Carbon Hub Think Tank held in Mauritius

The IORA Blue Carbon Hub and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) successfully convened the inaugural Think Tank, on blue carbon finance, in Mauritius on 25-26 February 2020 — just before global aviation was disrupted due to COVID-19.

The think tank brought domain experts from around the world together with representatives from IORA Member States and Dialogue Partners to exchange knowledge and build capacity in financial systems that aim to protect and restore blue carbon ecosystems.

The Indian Ocean hosts a disproportionate amount of the Earth’s blue carbon ecosystems, and IORA Member States are in a position to lead the world in their protection, restoration and sustainable use. The think tank explored the challenges they face in mobilising finance to protect blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves and seagrass.

Participants from 23 countries attended the think tank, which was officially opened by the Mauritian Minister for Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Hon Mr Sudheer Maudhoo. Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius to Ms Jenny Dee said she was pleased to see the IORA Blue Carbon Hub’s inaugural think tank hosted by IORA in Mauritius. Mauritius hosts the IORA Secretariat and the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, both of which have existing collaborations with CSIRO.

CSIRO and the IORA Secretariat are working together to produce a workshop report as well as developing a white (discussion) paper that can be used to generate further progress.