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<p>The Government recognises the important role that blue carbon habitats can play
in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. These richly biodiverse habitats
also provide a crucial buffer from coastal flooding, benefit fish stocks and improve
local water quality.</p><p><br /> The UK is a global leader in ocean protection and
we have taken a number of steps to support blue carbon habitats. 40% of UK waters
are in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) which cover the majority of our saltmarsh and
seagrass habitats. Our focus is now on ensuring that these MPAs are effectively protected.
The first three Highly Protected Marine Area designations in English waters recently
came into force, two of which include further blue carbon habitats such as sub-littoral
biogenic reefs and sub-littoral mud.</p><p><br /> The Environment Agency’s Restoring
Meadow, Marsh and Reef initiative is working to restore native oyster reef, as well
as seagrass meadows and saltmarsh. Working in partnership with environmental non-government
organisations, industry, community groups and academia, the initiative aims to identify
innovative funding opportunities, streamline regulatory processes, build capacity
and share knowledge with partners to facilitate a larger programme of restoration.</p><p><br
/> Defra has set up the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership in partnership with the
Devolved Administrations to address evidence gaps that currently prevent the inclusion
of blue carbon habitats in the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHGI). Inclusion of these
habitats in the GHGI will allow blue carbon to be marketed and traded as a carbon
offset, leveraging private investment into these vital natural carbon stores. <br
/> <br /> Increased private sector investment into nature-based solutions will be
crucial to protect 30% of the worlds ocean by 2030 and limit global warming to 1.5
degrees. Our Green Finance Strategy sets out how the Government will mobilise public
and private financial flows to meet climate and environmental targets and our Nature
Markets Framework sets out the Government’s aim to raise at least £500 million in
private finance to support nature’s recovery every year by 2027 in England, rising
to more than £1 billion per year by 2030.</p><p>The UK is also leading the way in
developing Marine Net Gain in English waters, which will require developers to leave
the environment in a better state than before new development, targeting biodiversity
decline while securing potential blue carbon benefits.</p>
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