Investigating Approaches to Optimise the Value of a Blue Carbon Initiative on Yirrganydji Country

Abstract

Engineers Without Borders have identified the opportunity to implement a blue carbon scheme on Yirrganydji Country (between Cairns and Port Douglas), which would involve assisting the Yirrganydji community to conduct carbon abatement activities in exchange for carbon credits with monetary value. Mangroves are prevalent throughout Yirrganydji Country, and this type of forest is able to sequester significantly higher rates of carbon than arboreal forest ecosystems. However, mangrove-focused carbon abatement projects are relatively new, and this specific project necessitates additional considerations to address the needs and values of the Yirrganydji community. In order to identify design solutions that deliver optimised economic, environmental, and socio-cultural value, the context of Yirrganydji Country is analysed. A literature review then describes the legal mechanisms through which First Nations peoples are returned land in Australia, key scientific concepts, and carbon markets. Two relevant case studies are then analysed; the first was conducted across Australia and investigates best practices in developing First Nations carbon abatement projects; the second was conducted in the Indian Sundarbans, featuring a cost-benefit analysis of several mangrove species prevalent throughout Yirrganydji Country. Several potential project designs are then identified, with a criteria-based evaluation framework used to assess each option. From the evaluated results, it is recommended that direct propagule dibbling of Avicennia marina is undertaken at Dungarra. Additional considerations are also provided, as well as future research. The results are applicable to the multi-disciplinary field of humanitarian engineering, and can be applied to other First Nations contexts – both within Australia and internationally.