BLAUCAT EURECAT

Current state and action plan for Blue Carbon in Catalonia.

BlauCat analyses the state of blue carbon in the coastal ecosystems of Catalonia to assess its potential as CO₂ sinks and design conservation and restoration strategies.

These ecosystems, which include wetlands and seagrass meadows, are fundamental for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, coastal protection, and marine biodiversity.

BlauCat quantifies blue carbon reserves, identifies threats, and establishes monitoring tools that enable management based on scientific evidence. Additionally, the project lays the groundwork for its inclusion in carbon offset mechanisms and environmental policies in Catalonia.

Through mapping, experimental campaigns, analysis of environmental pressures, and restoration proposals, the project generates key knowledge to protect these habitats. The results will contribute to the fight against climate change, coastal resilience, and the sustainability of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Eurecat coordinates the project through the Climate Solutions and Ecosystem Services (CLIMSES) Unit, in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC) and the Center for Ecological Research and Forest Applications (CREAF).

LOGO BLAUCAT EURECAT

General details

Project

BlauCat – Current state and action plan for Blue Carbon in Catalonia

Referència del projecte

ARD352/24/000001

Programme and call for tender

The Climate Fund of the Generalitat is a public fund fed by 50% of the income obtained from the tax on CO2 emissions from mechanically propelled vehicles and 20% of the collection of the tax on facilities that affect the environment. It is managed by the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition.

Related SDG

The project contributes to the protection and improvement of the quality of coastal waters by restoring ecosystems that act as natural filters, helping to reduce pollution and promoting a sustainable ecological balance.

The initiative reduces coastal vulnerability to climate change, promoting nature-based solutions to protect infrastructure and human settlements, thus minimising the risks associated with erosion and flooding.

The project promotes climate change mitigation through the conservation and restoration of ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, promoting the retention of CO₂ in marine sediments and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The protection and restoration of seagrass meadows is a central element of the project, as these ecosystems are fundamental for marine biodiversity and for the capture and storage of blue carbon.

The action includes the conservation of wetlands, essential habitats for many species and for the maintenance of biogeochemical cycles, ensuring their ecological function as carbon reserves and areas of critical biodiversity.