The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore and Hatch Blue will launch an innovation challenge to convene and develop technological solutions for blue carbon credit challenges. The project, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) will focus on scalable technologies that address blue carbon project implementation, measurement and verification challenges, including:
• Accurate geospatial mapping to track ecosystem changes
• Carbon stock and flux modeling, especially for below-soil and below-water carbon
• Community engagement and biodiversity monitoring
• Restoration technologies such as smart nurseries.
Blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, peatlands and coastal wetlands, are among the planet’s most powerful natural climate solutions, storing carbon up to four times more efficiently than terrestrial forests. Mangroves buffer coastal communities from storms, support rich biodiversity, and in Singapore alone, provide habitat for over 3,000 insect species. These ecosystems not only sequester carbon at scale but also safeguard $800 billion in food security and livelihoods annually. Yet, 40% of mangrove-dependent species are already threatened globally.
Carbon markets are emerging as a key financing mechanism to restore these ecosystems despite blue carbon credit challenges. Valued at US $1.4 billion in 2024, they are projected to grow to as much as $35 billion by 2030. High-integrity carbon markets can generate reliable revenue streams by pricing both the carbon sequestered and the co-benefits to communities and biodiversity.
Blue Catalyst will harness technology in service of nature, connecting project developers, researchers, and innovators across the region to shape solutions that can scale. With funding, mentorship, and pilot opportunities behind them, participants will be able to turn promising ideas into solutions that can be deployed for high-integrity blue carbon projects across Asia and beyond.
The program is part of WWF’s broader flagship blue carbon program which aims to restore blue carbon ecosystems in Asia and beyond by promoting investments, advancing technological innovation, encouraging adoption of technologies and building capacity in nature-tech. As part of this effort, WWF is partnering EDB to drive innovation in blue carbon project development and MRV, of which Blue Catalyst is a key initiative.
As part of Blue Catalyst, WWF will contribute expertise on blue carbon science, its global network of climate specialists, and best practices on innovation and carbon markets. Hatch Blue will provide critical expertise in preparing start-ups for investment, scaling businesses, and validating emerging technologies. EDB’s support for Blue Catalyst is part of Singapore’s wider efforts to grow as a carbon services and trading hub and to scale high-quality carbon markets in Asia.
“Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s richest blue carbon ecosystems,” said Lim Wey-Len, Executive Vice President, EDB. “As a hub at the heart of the region, Singapore is committed and well-positioned to support efforts to unlock its full potential. We welcome project developers, blue carbon asset owners and solution providers to work with us in creating scalable solutions that can help restore and protect these valuable ecosystems.”
“At WWF, we believe that tackling the climate crisis demands bold collaboration and cutting- edge innovation. Blue carbon projects hold immense promise but face persistent challenges in implementation and measurement,” said Vivek Kumar, CEO, WWF-Singapore. “This platform aims to bring together leading minds to co-innovate, enhance project integrity, and eventually unlock high-quality carbon credits that deliver scalable impact for climate action and coastal communities across Asia. Mangroves protect millions from storms and flooding every year, and backed by WWF’s global network of science, conservation, and carbon experts, Blue Catalyst is designed to turn blue carbon potential into trusted climate outcomes for people and nature.”
