Indonesia is currently drafting regulatory changes to designate 17 seagrass habitats as National Strategic Coral Reef Areas (KSNT Zones) / Blue Carbon Reserves. This idea has sparked optimism among scientists and climate activists — but it also raises serious questions: how can we ensure that this policy does not become a tool for commercialization that harms coastal communities?
In this article, we explore: the scientific background, economic and climate potential, social-ecological risks, and necessary safeguards. Finally, I will also invite you to join a training opportunity at Mutu Institute and introduce its NGO, Carbon Nature, as a platform for real action.
Why Seagrass is Important for Climate & Ecosystems
- Seagrass is an underwater plant that lives in shallow waters. Wikipedia
- Despite their small size, they have a high capacity for carbon storage, especially in deep-sea sediments. Wikipedia
- In Indonesia, seagrass and mangroves contribute a large portion of the country’s “blue carbon.” CIFOR
- However, ecological conditions are declining: the global rate of destruction is ~7% per year. Wikipedia
- National studies show that seagrass in Indonesia is in a “moderate” ecological condition (SEQI index ~0.68). Agri College
Seagrass has great potential as a nature-based solution. But that can only happen if it is managed properly.
Zoning Plan for 17 KSNT Zones Locations: Coverage & Targets
- The government, through the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), is drafting a 2019 regulatory revision to designate 17 seagrass habitats as KSNT (National Strategic Coral Reef Areas / Blue Carbon Reserves).
- The locations are spread across Kotabaru, Derawan, Tanimbar, Aru, Bombana, Pohuwato, Lingga, Menui, Bontang, Sapudi, Kangean, Tual, Nias, Subi, Toli-Toli, Supiori, and Kwandang.
- The total seagrass area in Indonesia is estimated at ± 800,000 hectares. Of that, ~250,000 ha (one-third) is targeted for inclusion in the KSNT.
- The estimated carbon stored in this zone is > 30 million tons of carbon (≈ > 6 million tons of CO₂).
- The criteria for selecting locations are: minimum area (> 2,700 ha), medium-high carbon stocks, low human pressure, scientific support, and local interest.
Economic Potential & Carbon Market
- The KKP states that the carbon market value in seagrass areas can reach US$ 800,000 per km² of seagrass (≈ 0.4 sq mi).
- If managed with a result-based payment (RBP) mechanism, the revenue can be channeled to conservation and communities.
- However, not all areas should be commercialized — healthy areas should ideally focus more on conservation (funded by the state budget, grants, mixed funds).
- The carbon market needs strong regulation, policy integration, and fair benefit allocation mechanisms so that it is not stifled by investors or elites.
Social Risks and Conflicts of Interest
- If not clearly regulated, zoning can lead to the privatization of marine space, limiting traditional fishermen’s access to their traditional fishing grounds.
- The rights of coastal communities, customary rights, and rights to the sea must be recognized through a mechanism of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC).
- National strategic projects (PSN) can override conservation areas if a higher level of regulation is not achieved.
- The scope of blue carbon management involves many directorates within the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) — this can lead to overlapping tasks and institutional conflicts.
- There is a risk of elite capture (where certain groups reap huge benefits) if transparency and accountability are weak.
- If local communities reject a project, it may fail or not proceed.
Safeguard Requirements & Supporting Policies
To ensure that the blue KSNT is not just a concept but effective and fair, the following are the minimum requirements:
| Aspect | Requirements / Safeguards |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | KSNT must be stipulated by Presidential Regulation so that it has a level that cannot be overridden by ordinary PSN. |
| Transparent criteria | The selection of locations must be based on scientific and social data, not politics or investor profits. |
| Benefit sharing | The benefit sharing scheme is clear: coastal communities must be the primary beneficiaries, not merely objects. |
| Community involvement | Active participation from planning to monitoring, with FPIC |
| Involvement of cross-sectoral institutions | Coordination between the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Finance, and local governments |
| Open monitoring and reporting | The public can access data on ecosystem conditions, fund allocation, and carbon achievements. |
| Diverse funding | Not only relying on the carbon market — state budgets, grants, philanthropy, and blended finance must also be available |
| Correction and sanction mechanisms | So that decisive action can be taken in the event of violations or mismanagement |
Case Studies & Lessons from Abroad
- In the ASEAN regional study, training on blue carbon (seagrass & peatland) methodology was conducted to standardize measurement standards. UNDP
- Several seagrass restoration projects in Indonesia (Central Java, Nusa Tenggara) demonstrate the importance of local community support and adaptive management. Blue Natural Capital
- There are many research gaps in seagrass ecosystems compared to mangroves — data on carbon stocks, spatial dynamics, and long-term fluctuations are still limited. PubMed
- For long-term conservation, successful projects combine restoration, protection, and local economic incentives.
The Role of Communities & Local Governments
- Fisheries communities must be treated as actors, not objects. They are the ones who know the local conditions.
- Training, technical capacity, and direct incentives are needed so that communities can monitor and protect the zones.
- Local governments are important in integrating KSNT zoning with marine spatial planning and local licensing.
- Collaboration with NGOs, universities, and research institutions can assist in data collection and evaluation.
If you are interested in getting involved or deepening your skills in the field of blue carbon/marine ecosystems, Mutu Institute is offering intensive training on:
- Marine carbon data analysis
- Blue zoning planning
- Governance & benefit sharing mechanisms
- Community-based monitoring & evaluation
In addition, Mutu Institute has an NGO called Carbon Nature that actively carries out field projects (restoration, community engagement, policy advocacy) in coastal areas. By participating in the training, you can join the network and real projects through Carbon Nature. KSNT Biru focused on seagrass has great potential to combine climate mitigation + marine conservation + coastal community welfare. But without strong safeguards, this policy could become a tool for commodifying marine space and causing social conflict.
Register now for Mutu Institute training and participate in field activities with Carbon Nature so that you are not just an observer, but a real change maker.
