TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Academics on Thursday (July 18) voiced opposition to two separate government proposals that aim to cultivate seagrass and mangrove forests as carbon sinks.
The Climate Change Administration (CCA) under the Ministry of Environment announced the joint proposals by the Ocean Affairs Council and Ministry of Agriculture in April. The CCA held a meeting reviewing these proposals on July 9, per CNA.
The Climate and Natural Carbon Sink Proponent Organisation (CNCSPO) responded with a statement calling for a distinction between carbon sequestration and emission reduction as separate goals. Regarding mangrove forests, the CNCSPO called for wetland preservation against mangrove encroachment to strengthen carbon sink-related legislation.
Tunghai University biology professor Lin Hui-chen (林慧珍) likened planting mangroves to growing betel nut, highlighting the economic benefits and the environmental drawbacks. Lin urged the CCA to halt the cultivation of carbon sinks that harm coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove and seagrass.
National Chung Hsing University biodiversity professor Shih Hsi-te (施習德) expressed concern about the aggressive nature of mangrove expansion, particularly how mature forests disrupt biodiversity. Shih cited aquatic birds, benthos, and endemic fiddler crab species as potentially harmed creatures.
Beyond wildlife concerns, Shih argued that mangrove expansion could disrupt drainage, negatively impacting local residents through environmental degradation and increased midge populations. Shih believes government agencies should prioritize conserving existing mudflats and salt marshes to allow coastal ecosystems to function naturally.
Changhua Environmental Protection Union Director Shih Yueh-ying (施月英) cited Fangyuan and Dacheng townships near the flood-prone Jhuoshui River subsidence area as examples. The fertile Jhuoshui River soil allows white mangroves to flourish annually, but Shih noted that dense mangrove forests significantly reduce local biodiversity, encroach on waterways, and heighten flood risk.
National Chung Hsing University biodiversity professor and lead author of the proposals, Lin Hsing-juh (林幸助) acknowledged the need for managing mangrove expansion. He emphasized that the proposals advocate for feasibility assessments based on the local environment, aligned with the CNCSPO's recommendations.
Lin stressed that mangrove cultivation would target existing mangrove areas, not protected wetlands. He added that cultivating carbon sinks like mangroves and seagrass would be a last resort to address emission reduction shortfalls after exhausting other methods.
Lin concluded by emphasizing the inherent biodiversity value of "blue carbon" ecosystems, with carbon sequestration serving as an added incentive for corporate investment. Lin said international corporations are actively involved in natural carbon sink initiatives, including tree and mangrove planting projects.
