New Mangrove Methodology featuring Remote-sensing Expands Nature-based Solutions from Gold Standard  

A new Methodology for Sustainable Management of Mangroves has been released by Gold Standard, accompanied by Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetland Activity Requirements, supporting development of nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate mitigation and adaptation. These publications are featured in a new NbS Hub on Gold Standard’s website. 

Gold Standard has unveiled its first methodology for mangrove projects, developed with FORLIANCE, which enables innovative remote-sensing application for measurement and impact quantification. This marks a big step into blue carbon activities, with new comprehensive activity requirements to support project development. Typical projects under this new methodology will involve mangrove restoration which involves the plantation of native mangroves in areas that historically supported mangrove ecosystems. 

Blue carbon (carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems) plays a vital part in climate mitigation and adaptation. These ecosystems have been harmed by deforestation and degradation. Globally, 2% of mangroves are being lost per year. But when restored they are a powerful engine of climate mitigation. Climate action activities include the reintroduction of native mangrove vegetation through replanting, improving water quality, and supporting sustainable fishing practices.   

Mangroves are a true climate mitigation and adaptation hero. Their unique ecological characteristic provide protection against storms, erosion, and flooding, and they are sources of food and fodder, improve water quality, and sequestering carbon - all while supporting biodiversity by providing a natural habitat for thousands of species. They are incredibly efficient at removing and storing carbon, extracting up to five times more carbon than land-based forests, and they account for 14% of carbon sequestration by the global ocean. 

Margaret Kim, Gold Standard CEO, said: 

“This announcement marks the intersection of two strategic areas of focus for Gold Standard: nature-based solutions to restore critical ecosystems while supporting local communities in adapting to climate change, and digital tools to help monitor, measure, and verify that impact in the most credible and efficient ways. We’re pleased to collaborate with FORLIANCE to help make high-integrity climate action deliver impact for people and nature.” 

Andreas Schnall, FORLIANCE CEO, said:  

“With the launch of the Sustainable Management of Mangroves Methodology, FORLIANCE together with Gold Standard are advancing blue carbon initiatives. By combining innovative technology with sustainable practices, we are enabling meaningful climate action that not only protects vital ecosystems but also directly improves the livelihoods of coastal communities. This methodology sets a new standard for effective, community-centered climate solutions.” 

Gold Standard developed the new Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetlands Activity Requirements because of the critical role aquatic ecosystems play in climate regulation, and its mitigation potential. While blue carbon projects could previously be developed under Gold Standard Land Use & Forestry Activity Requirements, new methodologies for projects with unique aspects justify separate requirements. Blue Carbon activities, such as mangrove forest restoration, are cost-effective nature-based solutions to combat climate change, that provide a multitude of environmental and socio-economic benefits.  

The Sustainable Management of Mangroves Methodology, developed with project developer FORLIANCE, is applicable globally and allows multiple approaches to quantification including the application of robust remote-sensing monitoring coupled with ground data, increasing flexibility while reducing cost and time for project developers and auditors. Typical projects will involve mangrove restoration which involves the plantation of native mangroves in areas that historically supported mangrove ecosystems. The methodology encourages the implementation of adaptation measures, such as measures to protect farmers and local communitas from flooding, reducing coastal erosion and tidal flooding, and diversification of income streams to improve livelihoods.  

Gold Standard has also launched a new NbS Hub, a web page with guidance on how to navigate nature-based solutions under Gold Standard for the Global Goals. It includes a comprehensive list of all related technical resources, which will be updated over time with further resources and provides a one stop shop for both project developers and auditors interested in NbS.  

To find out more about the new Activity Requirements or Methodology, please visit the NbS Hub on the Gold Standard for the Global Goals website. Gold Standard will host a webinar on their nature-based solutions in October – sign up to the Gold Standard Newsletter to receive the details in the coming weeks.