SEAFOAM - The Ocean as a Vital Climate Solution

Programme Partner: Climateworks Centre

Region: Indonesia

Climate change is a formidable force reshaping our world daily. To secure survival for future generations, we must act now to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. This demands greenhouse gas emissions peak by 2025, and a global transition to net zero by 2050 – without which, excessive heat and energy will warm the ocean, causing devastating cascading effects on marine biodiversity, and the lives and livelihoods of coastal communities and beyond. The ocean holds the key to this transformation, providing 21% of the reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions needed by 2050, and protecting and restoring marine ecosystems to secure a positive future for coastal communities.

By 2050, we envision Southeast Asia successfully achieving net zero emissions, starting with Indonesia—a nation vital for its 17% of global blue carbon (mangrove, salt marsh and seagrass) ecosystems and strong maritime culture. With this goal in mind, we launched the Southeast Asia Framework for Ocean Action in Mitigation (SEAFOAM) to pioneer the inclusion of the ocean in Indonesia's climate mitigation plans, setting a benchmark for other countries to follow. First, we will demonstrate options for ocean-based decarbonisation and create an action plan in line with the country’s climate commitments as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Next, we serve as a connective tissue between government and ground actors, translating context-based research and knowledge into policy change, while building capacity in blue carbon. Finally, we will develop an implementation framework to support Indonesia to unlock the climate mitigation potential of its ocean, driven by the latest research and technological innovations.

This transition demands unwavering speed and collaboration. Together, we can harness the ocean's potential for a sustainable blue economy and drastically reduce emissions. Our ambition is not a distant hope— it is the promise to safeguard our planet and secure a flourishing tomorrow for all.