Blue carbon ecosystems such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes are widely recognized for their role in climate change mitigation. Although these ecosystems also provide co-benefits that support human and animal health, these values are often overlooked in blue carbon projects. This perspective article argues that integrating a One Health approach into blue carbon projects can strengthen both implementation and financing mechanisms by demonstrating co-benefits that go beyond carbon sequestration. Drawing on the case of Del Carmen in the Philippines, the paper illustrates how mangrove restoration projects not only enhance carbon storage but also reduce vector-borne disease risks, support fisheries recovery, and contribute to food and nutrition security. Despite interest from local leaders and investors, blue carbon financing schemes in the Philippines have yet to gain traction. This paper proposes that framing such initiatives within a One Health context could increase investor confidence and community acceptance by emphasizing tangible health benefits alongside carbon credits. The article concludes by outlining policy and research pathways, including institutional bridging, mainstreaming health indicators, pilot programs, and co-benefit financing, that can help operationalize One Health integration in the overall blue carbon governance across tropical developing countries.
Jay Mar D. Quevedo (Fri,) studied this question.