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  • Perspective
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Blue carbon ecosystems and coral reefs as coupled nature-based climate solutions

Nature Sustainability (2026)Cite this article

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Abstract

Restoring coastal ecosystems offers more than just carbon storage: it can also help bring coral reefs back to life. This Perspective explores how the carbon captured by mangroves and other blue carbon systems could be used to support reef restoration, creating a powerful synergy between climate action and marine conservation. By aligning ecological benefits with innovative funding strategies, this approach offers a practical path towards more resilient coastlines and more durable climate solutions.

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Fig. 1: Role of BCEs in increasing local pH.
Fig. 2: Summary of mutual benefits between BCEs and coral reefs.
Fig. 3: The reinforcing cycle between carbon credit, coral reef restoration and BCEs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA

    Mojtaba Fakhraee

  2. Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Mojtaba Fakhraee

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  1. Mojtaba Fakhraee
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Correspondence to Mojtaba Fakhraee.

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Fakhraee, M. Blue carbon ecosystems and coral reefs as coupled nature-based climate solutions. Nat Sustain (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-026-01768-0

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