Delta blue carbon
Mangrove resoration, Pakistan
PROJECT OVERVIEW
What the project does
Delta Blue Carbon is the world’s largest blue carbon project, spanning 350,000 hectares of tidal wetlands in the Indus River Delta, Pakistan. It protects and restores arid-climate mangrove forests while supporting climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development for over 43,000 people across 60 villages.
AT A GLANCE
Project key details
-> Location: Indus Delta, Sindh Province, Pakistan
-> Project type: Blue carbon (removals)
-> Project zone: 350,000 hectares
-> CO₂ impact: 200 million tonnes expected
-> Villages engaged: 43,000 people, 60 villages, 5,000+ households
-> Biodiversity: 11 IUCN Red List species
-> Verification: Verra VCS, triple gold CCB
-> Developer: Indus Delta Capital with Government of Sindh
-> UN Sustainability Development Goals:
METHODOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
Why mangrove restoration is a critical climate solution
Mangroves are powerful carbon sinks, capable of storing 3-5 times more carbon than upland forests. They also stabilise coastlines, support biodiversity, and provide essential resources for local communities. The Indus Delta is home to the largest arid mangrove ecosystem in the world and is recognised as one of WWF’s Global 200 ecoregions. It supports 11 globally threatened species, including the Indus River dolphin, Indian pangolin, and Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. The delta also lies on a key migratory bird route crossing the Himalayas.
CARBON, BIODIVERSITY AND RESILIENCE
Climate and ecosystem impact
The project addresses decades of degradation caused by fuelwood harvesting, livestock grazing, and upstream water disruptions. Restoration efforts include afforestation and reforestation, community stewardship agreements, training programs, and sustainable fuel alternatives.
These efforts have restored critical wetland ecosystems, enhanced biodiversity, and improved resilience to climate impacts such as rising sea levels. The project also enforces laws against destructive practices and strengthens local capacity to protect the mangrove landscape.
Highlights
tonnes of CO₂ expected to be sequestered
carbon credits to be generated
already replanted with native mangroves
will benefit from improved habitat
LIVELIHOODS AND INCLUSION
Community and social impact
Delta Blue Carbon directly improves quality of life for communities living below the poverty line. The project generates employment, provides skills training, improves access to clean water and healthcare, and supports education and microfinance initiatives.
It promotes women’s participation, strengthens local organisations, and encourages inclusive, community-led governance. By addressing the root causes of poverty and environmental degradation, the project builds lasting social resilience.
Highlights
across 60 villages will benefit
To be created, with 40% dedicated for women
to receive clean drinking water via mangrove management systems
depend on fishing and will benefit from ecosystem restoration
CREDIBILITY AND VERIFICATION
Transparency and monitoring
Delta Blue Carbon is verified under Verra VCS and maintains triple gold CCB certification. It delivers strong additionality, with restoration activities that would not take place without the project. Long-term planning includes modelling for sea level rise using a digital elevation model over a 100-year period. Mangroves’ natural resistance to fire and pests, combined with meaningful co-benefits and community engagement, ensures long-term permanence and impact. Ongoing audits, data collection, and adaptive management further support project integrity.
IN THE FIELD
Explore the project in action
