{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.025399426464563703, 'fraction_numerical': 0.005735354362965997, 'mean_word_length': 5.564516129032258, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
‘Blue carbon’ projects for the collective good

have been known for decades. But now these habitats (mangrove forests, tidal marshes and seagrass meadows) are being recognized for the high carbon stocks contained within them and their high rates of carbon sequestration, termed ‘blue carbon’, which helps mitigate atmospheric CO 2 emissions. The economic value of blue carbon is providing new impetus for the conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands, which have suffered enormous losses. However, blue carbon also provides direct benefits to governments because coastal wetlands can contribute to national carbon sequestration, as well as contribute to meeting commitments to other agreements (e.g., Ramsar Convention). Through the guidance for carbon accounting in coastal wetlands provided in the upcoming IPCC supplement, the responsibilities and benefits of improved coastal wetland management for national governments are clearer. Governments should provide enhanced support for blue carbon projects rather than rely on financing through NGOs or private investors. However, a significant challenge will be in pursuing projects where governments engage constructively with the local communities who rely on coastal wetlands so as not to further contribute to the ‘tragedy of the commons’. There has been rapid growth of the science and policy that facilitates blue carbon projects for the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests, tidal marshes and seagrass meadows. However, our knowledge of the causes of the tragedy of the commons compels us to urge caution. While there are potential economic benefits for both local communities and national governments, coastal wetlands have been overexploited by multiple stakeholders with conflicting goals and values in the past, and the successful development of blue carbon projects will need to account for such risks. The science confirming the size and global importance of blue carbon stocks and carbon sequestration in mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrass meadows is growing [1–4], although important research questions remain to be answered [5]. Likewise, knowledge of the extent of losses of these ‘blue’ habitats [6–8], the carbon emitted to the atmosphere when these habitats are transformed [3,9,10], and assessment of the economic costs associated with their destruction and degradation, is emerging [11,12]. ‘Blue carbon’ projects for the collective good Editorial