ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that regional seas programmes – formalised agreements among coastal states, often under the auspices of the United Nations or other international organisations – are important mechanisms to enable the interplay between the ocean governance and climate regimes at the regional level. In particular, in addition to their normal focus on addressing traditional forms of ocean pollution, regional seas programmes provide opportunities for carbon storage within marine ecosystems. They can do this by shifting focus towards ecosystem-based management of marine environments, thereby protecting those ecosystems, such as seagrass beds and mangroves, which absorb and retain on the order of one-half of all carbon stored in marine (including coastal) ecosystems. Preserving these ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems can contribute to the management objectives of both the oceans and climate regimes. Some regional seas programmes have adopted ecosystem-based management schemes, the most prominent examples being marine protected areas and integrated coastal zone management. These schemes have the effect of promoting blue carbon storage without necessarily trying to do so specifically. This implies that regional seas, and more conscious efforts to protect, and eventually enlarge, blue carbon ecosystems would result in both more effective marine governance amidst climate change and more effective governance to address climate change.
