Carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands: applying systems thinking in support of strategy development

Nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration, such as via coastal-wetland restoration and protection, have experienced growing interest by environmental managers as tools to combine greenhouse-gas reduction with broader environmental, cultural and socio-economic benefits. As coastal-wetland carbon sequestration in Aotearoa New Zealand is in its infancy, this provides an opportunity to encourage development of frameworks that reflect societal values. Here, we used a Systems Thinking approach to describe the connections between actions of different stakeholders and mana whenua within the coastal-wetland carbon sequestration ‘system’, as well as highlight the key actions and intervention points required, for carbon sequestration to be considered in management of coastal wetlands in Aotearoa New Zealand. The project participants represented diverse interests, including social and biophysical research, community engagement, market development, policy, strategy, Te Ao Māori and habitat protection. Through two in-person workshops, project participants developed a brief roadmap that outlines actions within four strands of work based on key impacts: ‘resourced and empowered actors’, ‘knowledge-based decision making’, ‘values and drivers’ and ‘enabling frameworks’. Activities and interventions on this roadmap are described at national, regional and local levels, along with illustration of where these outcomes and impacts of these activities might be observed. All activities were intended to achieve the following over-arching vision that was agreed during the workshops: Healthy coastal wetlands that enhance society and capture carbon. Five activities/interventions were identified as essential, if this outcome is to be achieved: 1. Carbon must be recognised and treated as one of many overlapping values of coastal wetlands. 2. The term ‘coastal wetland’ should be clarified in spatial, legal and policy frameworks. 3. Ownership of land, and ownership/liability of carbon in these environments, should be clarified and existing rights upheld. 4. Carbon to be included in national, regional and local planning, with restoration enabled. 5. Trading mechanisms, alongside carbon and nature credits, are developed and enabled (auths)