Blue Carbon and Nature Based Solutions. Q&A with Andreas A. Hutahaean

Blue Carbon & Nature Based Solutions

Oliver Green

In-depth Q&A with Andreas A. Hutahaean, Ph.D.

Principal Consultant Blue Carbon & AFOLU, Neyen
Co-Founder, Blue Carbon Indonesia

Andreas is a seasoned coastal-marine environmentalist, specializing in transformative coastal-ocean governance focusing on blue carbon, regenerative blue economies, and large-scale coastal ecosystem restoration.

His journey led him co-found Blue Carbon Indonesia where he led large research initiatives, secured grants and established a trust fund in collaboration with the World Bank. Andreas recently joined the team at Neyen in Jakarta as Principal Consultant.

In this Q&A he shares his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities for blue carbon and Nature-Based Solutions in Indonesia and beyond.

Question 1: Your career has been deeply rooted in coastal and marine environmentalism, with notable contributions to blue carbon initiatives and large-scale ecosystem restoration. Could you share the journey that led you to specialize in this field, and what inspired you to co-found Blue Carbon Indonesia?

I grew up in Indonesia, which has one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse coastal habitats. Indonesia’s beaches are rich in mangroves and coral reefs. Growing up among these habitats taught me how important they are for biodiversity and coastal community resiliency. I became passionate about environmental conservation after seeing how these ecosystems support nature and people.

As I started my profession, I saw mangrove deforestation, coastal degradation, and marine biodiversity loss as threats to these ecosystems. These concerns released carbon and hurt local livelihoods, worsening climate change. Lost habitats meant lost carbon sinks and diminished community resilience to flooding and coastal erosion. This revelation motivated me to discover solutions to these interconnected issues.

The more I learned about ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reef, the more I became inspired by their role as carbon sinks. These blue carbon ecosystems act as natural solutions for mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon. This growing recognition of the potential of blue carbon to combat climate change while also helping vulnerable coastal communities adapt to its impacts led me to specialize in this field. I saw it as an innovative, nature-based solution that could be a game-changer for both the environment and the people who depend on these ecosystems.

Faced with these environmental challenges, I co-founded Blue Carbon Indonesia in 2012. Our aim was to raise awareness about the importance of blue carbon ecosystems and push scale restoration projects that could help address carbon emissions while also improving the livelihoods of local communities. Research initiatives were crucial to quantify the carbon sequestration potential of these ecosystems and demonstrate their value in mitigating climate change. Through our efforts, we focused on large-scale coastal restoration and integrating blue carbon into national and global climate policies.

Blue Carbon Indonesia quickly became a key player in the Indonesian and Southeast Asian environmental scene. We secured grants and funding, including collaborations with global institutions like the GEF- World Bank, JICA-JSP, GIZ and the government of Indonesia  to support our initiatives.

Question 2: Indonesia is home to some of the world’s richest coastal ecosystems, yet blue carbon remains an underutilized asset. What do you see as the main challenges in scaling blue carbon initiatives across the country, and where do the greatest opportunities lie?

Indonesia has the world’s richest coastal habitats, making it a blue carbon hotspot. Despite the significance of these ecosystems, blue carbon is underutilized. Scaling blue carbon efforts nationwide presents various obstacles and opportunities, in my opinion.

  1. One major difficulty is the lack of awareness about the full potential of blue carbon ecosystems. Many people value trees and terrestrial carbon sinks, while mangroves and seagrasses are less well-known. Policymakers, businesses, and communities need more education and outreach to realize how important these ecosystems are for climate mitigation and coastal resilience.
  2. In Indonesia, coastal and marine ecosystem governance is fragmented across many government levels and organizations. This might cause legislative gaps and make integrated, large-scale restoration efforts challenging. Progress has been made, but a lack of strategy and collaboration can delay blue carbon project growth. Blue carbon projects need clearer policies, greater governance, and improved cooperation between national and local players to succeed.
  3. Indonesian coastal habitats face pressure from unsustainable development, including land reclamation, mangrove destruction for aquaculture, and pollution. Degradation of ecosystems releases large amounts of carbon. Restoring these ecosystems and preventing additional degradation requires overcoming enormous economic interests and developing sustainable, local development-aligned alternatives.
  4. Blue carbon’s promise is recognized, but gaining funds and investment remains problematic. Many blue carbon projects struggle to raise funds to restore large-scale coastal ecosystems. International funding and carbon markets are important, but carbon credit markets and trust funds are needed to sustain these projects.

When it comes to opportunities, there are several things I'd like to call out.

  1. Leveraging carbon markets is a key opportunity for Indonesia to scale blue carbon. Indonesia might capitalize on the blue carbon credit market as worldwide demand for carbon offsets rises. Indonesia can become a worldwide carbon offset leader by estimating and confirming coastal ecosystems like mangroves’ carbon sequestration capacity. Carbon credit sales would lower emissions and fund local communities.
  2. Successful blue carbon initiatives require community engagement. Many Indonesian coastal communities depend on coastal ecosystems for fishing and ecotourism. We can assure sustainable coastal restoration programs that benefit people by including local communities. This community-driven strategy may help increase long-term ecological protection.
  3. The potential for international collaboration and partnerships in growing blue carbon programs is significant. Indonesia can get technical expertise, money, and worldwide awareness through partnerships with the World Bank, UN agencies and NGOs. Collaboration with Southeast Asian countries and business sector collaborations could encourage innovation and share blue carbon restoration best practices.
  4. Blue Carbon Integration into National Climate Goals/NDCs: Indonesia is dedicated to attaining its Paris Agreement climate goals, and blue carbon programs can help. Blue carbon can be formalized into national climate policies and strategies to guarantee that these ecosystems are considered crucial to the climate action strategy. Blue carbon projects may receive greater national and international funding.

While the challenges for scaling blue carbon initiatives in Indonesia are significant, the opportunities are even more excellent. By focusing on policy reform, community engagement, market-based solutions, and sustainable development models, we can unlock the full potential of Indonesia’s blue carbon ecosystems. The road ahead will require strong collaboration among all stakeholders including government, private sector, NGOs and local communities, but the benefits of doing so could be transformative for Indonesia’s environment and people.

Question 3: Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognized as vital to addressing climate change and restoring coastal ecosystems. How do you envision NbS contributing to Indonesia’s fight against climate change, and what role can these solutions play in driving sustainable development?

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a powerful tool in addressing climate change, and I firmly believe they hold significant potential for Indonesia’s climate strategy. As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Indonesia has a wealth of natural ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs, and forests  that can help mitigate climate change and enhance resilience to its impacts.

This is how NbS can contribute to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

  1. The most compelling roles that NbS can play in Indonesia’s fight against climate change is through carbon sequestration. Coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves and seagrasses, are among the most efficient carbon sinks on the planet. Indonesia’s vast mangrove forests are critical in sequestering blue carbon and carbon stored in coastal ecosystems. These ecosystems can absorb more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests, which is crucial given Indonesia’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can significantly contribute to the country’s climate mitigation goals.
  2. Indonesia’s coastlines are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and intensified storms. NbS can enhance coastal resilience by restoring and preserving vital ecosystems that act as natural barriers. For example, mangroves provide a protective buffer against storm surges and coastal flooding, while coral reefs help reduce the impact of wave energy. Restoring these ecosystems directly contributes to the adaptation strategies needed for local communities to cope with climate impacts. When properly managed, NbS acts as a dual solution for mitigating climate change while enhancing climate resilience.
  3. Biodiversity Conservation, NbS also plays a vital role in protecting Indonesia’s biodiversity, which is increasingly threatened by deforestation, illegal logging, and unsustainable land-use practices. Healthy ecosystems are essential for carbon storage and sustaining biodiversity, which, in turn, supports local livelihoods. Restoring degraded ecosystems like peatlands and mangrove forests can also support biodiversity recovery by creating habitats for wildlife, including species of commercial and ecological importance. This contributes to ecosystem services that are foundational to local economies.

Driving Sustainable Development through NbS

  1. The most promising aspects of NbS is its potential to drive sustainable development by creating green jobs and providing long-term economic benefits to local communities. In many coastal areas, communities rely on ecosystems for fishing, eco-tourism, and agriculture. Restoring and protecting blue carbon ecosystems can help secure livelihoods through sustainable activities supporting the environment and people. Eco-tourism, in particular, has excellent potential, as Indonesia is already a popular destination for nature lovers. Establishing sustainable, eco-friendly tourism around mangroves and coral reefs can generate significant revenue while incentivizing local communities to protect these ecosystems.
  2. NbS provides an opportunity to integrate local knowledge and traditional practices into climate adaptation strategies. Indigenous and coastal communities have long relied on the health of their local ecosystems for survival. By incorporating their expertise into NbS projects, we can ensure that solutions are culturally appropriate and build on existing practices. Moreover, NbS can empower communities to become stewards of their environment, ensuring that restoration and protection efforts are sustainable in the long term.
  3. Attracting Investments and International Support: There’s growing international recognition of the value of NbS for climate action. The UN climate negotiations, the Paris Agreement, and various global environmental frameworks now acknowledge the importance of integrating NbS into national climate plans. By demonstrating the viability of blue carbon ecosystems and other NbS, Indonesia can attract international funding and climate finance to scale these efforts. Initiatives such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility provide financial support to developing countries for implementing NbS. Indonesia is well-positioned to leverage these funds, especially in coastal and marine ecosystems where its restoration can have a significant global impact.

As I have elaborated above, Nature-Based Solutions are a critical tool in Indonesia’s climate action arsenal, offering both mitigation and adaptation benefits. By protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, Indonesia can contribute to global climate goals while also improving the resilience of its communities. NbS has the potential to drive sustainable economic development by creating green jobs, supporting livelihoods, and attracting investment. However, scaling these solutions will require strong policy support, community engagement, and global partnerships.

Incorporating NbS into Indonesia’s climate and development strategies is not only an investment in the environment but also in the future of its people. With the proper focus on sustainability and collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of these nature-based solutions and ensure a more resilient, sustainable future for Indonesia.

Question 4: As businesses increasingly seek sustainable ways to meet their decarbonization goals, how can Nature-Based Solutions, particularly blue carbon initiatives, play a role in corporate climate strategies? What steps should companies take to integrate these solutions effectively while ensuring measurable impact and long-term sustainability?

As businesses prioritize sustainability in their decarbonization ambitions, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) especially blue carbon projects are an effective approach to reduce emissions, improve climate resilience, and maintain biodiversity. Companies can improve their sustainability and sequester carbon by using blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses. These ecosystems trap carbon faster than terrestrial forests. Blue carbon can be crucial to business climate strategies in the following ways:

1. Carbon Credits and Offsets

Companies can offset emissions by investing in coastal ecosystem restoration or protection programs that trap carbon. Businesses can offset their emissions by buying carbon credits from verified blue carbon initiatives, a key technique for net-zero or carbon-neutral goals.

2. Corporate ESG Goal Support

Investing in blue carbon programs supports a company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by improving environmental sustainability and creating jobs and community resilience. Many customers, investors, and stakeholders now prioritize organizations with strong ESG commitments, making blue carbon projects an attractive alternative for corporate reputation.

3. Climate Risk and Resilience Improvement.

Blue carbon investments sequester carbon and increase coastal communities’ climate resilience. Companies can reduce climate change-related supply chain interruptions and infrastructure damage by restoring mangroves and seagrasses. As climate change consequences mount, businesses need this proactive resilience approach.

To summarize, blue carbon initiatives offer businesses a compelling way to contribute to global climate goals, enhance resilience to climate impacts, and drive sustainable development. By integrating these solutions effectively, companies can leverage carbon offsetting, market-based mechanisms, and community engagement to ensure measurable, long-term impact while positioning themselves as leaders in climate action and sustainable business practices.

Question 5: As someone with experience collaborating at national and global levels, how do you see Indonesia’s blue carbon initiatives influencing or aligning with broader regional and international efforts to address climate change and ocean governance?

I consider Indonesia’s blue carbon initiative program as having a big impact and being in line with larger regional and global efforts to address climate change and ocean governance, having worked at both the national and international levels. Due to its extensive and biodiverse coastal habitats, which are among the world’s most effective carbon sinks, Indonesia plays a crucial role in the conservation of blue carbon. In this regard, I see Indonesia’s initiatives as follows:

1. Compliance with Ocean Governance and Regional Climate Initiatives

Indonesia’s blue carbon programs, in my opinion, are highly compatible with regional efforts to improve coastal resilience and mitigate the effects of climate change in Southeast Asia and the larger ASEAN area. Indonesia regularly participates in regional frameworks, such as

  • The ASEAN Blue Economy Framework: The regional push to include nature-based solutions into climate change adaptation plans aligns with Indonesia’s mangrove protection initiatives and focus on blue carbon.
  • Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI-CFF): Under the CTI, Indonesia is taking the lead in preserving marine biodiversity and promoting the sustainable use of coastal ecosystems, all the while highlighting the value of blue carbon in reducing the effects of climate change.

I see Indonesia as a model for other countries in the area because of my participation in these regional initiatives, demonstrating that blue carbon ecosystems can be an essential component of both national and regional climate strategies.

2. Support for Blue Carbon Governance and Global Climate Action

In my opinion, Indonesia’s blue carbon efforts are a crucial component of larger global climate action. Being the nation with the greatest area of mangroves and a vast seagrass meadow network, Indonesia’s efforts directly support international goals for biodiversity preservation and carbon sequestration.

  • As part of Indonesia’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, I have worked to integrate blue carbon habitats into the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are in line with the Paris Agreement.
  • The UN Ocean Conference: Indonesia is establishing itself as a global leader in scaling up blue carbon solutions and showcasing their potential to fulfill global climate targets through programs like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030). I’ve taken part in international discussions where blue carbon is being viewed as an increasingly important component of ocean governance.

Working with these frameworks has demonstrated to me the growing importance of blue carbon solutions in both marine ecosystem protection and global climate plans.

3. International Preeminence in Marine Spatial Planning and Blue Carbon

Global attempts at marine spatial planning are being significantly impacted by Indonesia’s leadership in blue carbon. I have observed the nation’s active participation in international processes, including:

  • As a participant in the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), Indonesia is promoting sustainable ocean governance, where blue carbon is acknowledged as a key climate change mitigation strategy.
  • UN Conferences on Climate Change (COP): I have added to conversations about how blue carbon ecosystems may be included in international carbon markets and climate finance systems through Indonesia’s climate policy advocacy.

In addition to advancing regional and global climate goals, Indonesia is demonstrating how national initiatives can spur international collaboration in ocean and climate governance by aligning with these global processes.

Question 6: In your new role as Principal Consultant at Neyen Consulting, what will be your primary focus, and how do you hope to contribute to addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time? What unique strengths do you bring to Neyen’s mission to drive sustainable solutions in the Asia Pacific region and beyond?

In my new role as Principal Consultant in the Blue Carbon and AFOLU (Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use) sectors at Neyen Consulting, my primary focus will be to help clients integrate blue carbon and AFOLU-based solutions into their climate strategies and sustainable development plans. This role allows me to work across sectors and regions, driving both climate mitigation and adaptation through nature-based solutions (NbS). See below for a summary of the key areas of focus and the unique strengths I bring to Neyen Consulting.

Besides that, I will focus on advancing carbon credit systems and market-based mechanisms to mobilize financing for restoration projects, ensuring the long-term viability and scaling of blue carbon and AFOLU initiatives. These efforts will aim to create sustainable financing and blue economy models for nature-based solutions. I will also be assisting governments and businesses in developing resilience strategies for coastal communities and the agricultural sector to adapt to climate change. My focus will be on building resilience in the Asia Pacific region, which is highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and ecosystem degradation.

These are the unique Strengths I Bring to Neyen’s Mission:

1. Deep Expertise in Blue Carbon and AFOLU

With extensive experience in blue carbon and AFOLU, I bring a strong technical understanding of these ecosystems and their critical role in climate mitigation and adaptation. I am passionate about working at the intersection of science, policy, and finance, enabling the effective implementation of blue carbon solutions at scale.

2. Policy Advocacy and International Collaboration

I have a proven track record of advocating for blue carbon solutions at international platforms like COP and regional forums such as ASEAN. I will help integrate blue carbon and AFOLU into global climate frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement and UN Climate Change Conferences, strengthening Neyen Consulting’s position in shaping sustainable policies and international collaboration.

3. Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

I excel at building cross-sectoral partnerships with government bodies, NGOs, private sector entities and indigenous communities. These partnerships will strengthen Neyen’s efforts in scaling nature-based solutions across the Asia Pacific region. My understanding of local ecosystems, political landscapes and economic realities will allow me to tailor solutions that are both globally relevant and locally adaptable.

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