The Japan Prize Foundation has named Marine Science Professor Carlos M. Duarte as a Laureate for “Contribution to our understanding of marine ecosystems in a changing Earth, especially through pioneering research on Blue Carbon.”
Often referred to as Japan’s “Nobel Prize”, the Japan Prize awards outstanding achievements in science and technology that have advanced knowledge and contributed to peace and prosperity. Duarte, Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor of Marine Science at
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), was recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to marine ecology and his pioneering research on the crucial role of blue carbon ecosystems as a nature-based climate solution.
Professor Duarte received the award in a formal ceremony in Tokyo on April 16th presided over by His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.
Professor Duarte’s award acknowledges his decades of research on blue carbon ecosystems, including seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes. Despite covering only 0.2% of the ocean floor, these ecosystems store approximately 50% of all carbon buried annually in marine sediments. His findings have played a critical role in shaping international strategies for leveraging these ecosystems to combat climate change and restore biodiversity.
“Vegetated coastal habitats serve not only as stores for Blue Carbon, but also have rich biodiversity, help nurture invertebrate larvae and juvenile fish that grow to become marine resources, and protect coastal land from strong winds and high waves. However, as these habitats lie on the boundary between sea and land, they are easily affected by human activity, and land reclamation and other projects have resulted in the continuous destruction of these ecosystems,” the foundation noted.
Duarte has worked with UN agencies and other organizations to protect a total of 50 marine sites now registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. He has also worked to promote the incorporation of vegetated coastal habitats into economic systems as “natural capital.”
Duarte believes that the key to a sustainable future lies in harnessing the functionality of existing marine ecosystems. Vegetated coastal habitats are now recognized as the “most important biospheres” in the fight to mitigate global warming.
“Receiving the Japan Prize is a deeply humbling moment,” said Professor Carlos Duarte. “This honour recognises the extraordinary potential of our oceans in restoring planetary health. I hope this spotlight on blue carbon inspires a new wave of ambition, particularly among younger generations of scientists and leaders, to embrace nature-based solutions and work collaboratively to address the climate crisis.”
Beyond his research, Professor Duarte has been instrumental in advising Saudi Arabia on its national marine conservation efforts and national sustainability strategies, ocean stewardship. He has also played a pivotal role in shaping global ocean policy, serving as the Executive Director of the G20 Backed Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), which aims to fast-track innovation in coral reef restoration around the world. His expertise continues to influence climate negotiations and marine conservation frameworks worldwide.
