Taiwan Mobile's Blue Carbon Restoration Project: Transforming 2.7 Hectares of Abandoned Fishponds from Carbon Source to Carbon Sink Wetland

Soil organic carbon has increased by 32%, with water purification efficiency reaching up to 88%. A long-term blue carbon monitoring model has been established, enhancing coastal sustainability and resilience. In celebration of the July 26 'International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems,' Taiwan Mobile today (27) unveiled, for the first time in Taiwan, the scientific findings of its 'Taiwan Mobile Blue Carbon Mangrove Restoration Project.' The 2.7-hectare mangrove restoration site located within Taijiang National Park in Tainan City has been confirmed through long-term monitoring to have transitioned from a carbon emission source to a carbon sequestration (sink) system. Compared to baseline levels before mangrove planting, soil organic carbon has increased by 32%, and the proportion of recalcitrant organic carbon has also risen, indicating that carbon is gradually being stabilized and sequestered in the sediment.

Taiwan's coastlines are home to numerous abandoned fishponds, salt pans, and degraded wetlands. Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam also retain large numbers of abandoned aquaculture ponds. In the past, due to the lack of integrated aquaculture methods, it was difficult to accumulate long-term scientific monitoring data, preventing these areas from being converted into internationally certified natural carbon sinks. Collaborating with academic institutions, Taiwan Mobile has independently developed restoration technologies, established measurement methodologies, and built a blue carbon restoration and monitoring framework connecting industry, government, academia, and local communities. This model can be exported as a technical and carbon measurement template for restoring abandoned fishponds along coastal regions in Southeast Asia, Pacific Island nations, and Central and South America.

The 'Taiwan Mobile Blue Carbon Mangrove Restoration Project' integrates concepts of natural carbon enhancement, sustainable aquaculture, water purification, and ecosystem services, developing Taiwan's first 'Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture System (IMAS).' Long-term monitoring has confirmed the site's transformation from a carbon source to a carbon sink. After one year of comparison, significant growth of planted mangroves has been observed at the 2.7-hectare restoration site in Taijiang National Park, Tainan City.

This project is a key outcome of the National Science and Technology Council's 'Research and Development of Negative Carbon Technology and Carbon Rights Development for Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture Models,' with scientific monitoring conducted by Professor Lin Hsing-Chu's team from National Chung Hsing University. A total of 3,200 mangrove trees have been planted at the site, with regular tracking of plant growth, soil, water quality, and biodiversity changes beginning in 2025. Monitoring results show an annual carbon sequestration rate of 54.75 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare, with a total carbon sink effect of 102.2 metric tons, establishing a scientific foundation for enhancing natural carbon sequestration through mangrove restoration.

The restoration site also demonstrates co-benefits in water purification and biodiversity enhancement. Removal rates for ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate range from 45% to 88%, helping reduce nitrogen and phosphorus loads in eutrophic coastal waters. Ecological surveys have recorded a clear increase in the species and numbers of fish, birds, and benthic invertebrates.

The 'Taiwan Mobile Blue Carbon Mangrove Restoration Project' conducts on-site measurements of water pH, salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen, collecting water samples for nutrient analysis in the laboratory. The site's removal rates for ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate range from 45% to 88%, contributing to the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus loads in eutrophic coastal waters.

Professor Lin Hsing-Chu from National Chung Hsing University stated that the project integrates concepts of natural carbon enhancement, sustainable aquaculture, water purification, and ecosystem services, developing Taiwan's first 'Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture System (IMAS)' as an innovative nature-based solution to climate change and net-zero transition. It not only transforms degraded, CO₂-emitting coastal wetlands into CO₂-absorbing carbon sinks but also provides concrete scientific data, proving that mangrove restoration enhances biodiversity. This technology integrates multiple benefits, including green finance, water quality improvement, coastal protection, and community sustainability, combining the 'Satoumi' concept to establish a blue carbon governance model that balances production, ecology, and livelihood.

Taiwan Mobile, in collaboration with the Biodiversity Research Institute of the Council of Agriculture, is promoting the 'Blue Carbon Education Initiative,' designed around the core concept of 'citizen science.' Scientific data accumulated from the restoration project is transformed into environmental education content for schools. Through interactive teaching methods, such as gamified activities like 'Carbon Emission Ping Pong,' students are guided to understand climate change, carbon emissions, and natural carbon sinks.

Taiwan Mobile is partnering with the Biodiversity Research Institute to convert scientific monitoring methods into citizen science teaching materials. By the end of June, 23 campus outreach programs have been completed, guiding 403 children to understand carbon sink concepts and participate in ecological observation. In the second half of the year, 'Mangrove Blue Carbon Outreach Seed Trainer Workshops' and 'Carbon Sink Measurement Workshops' will be held to train local community volunteers and high school students in mangrove measurement and data recording. The Biodiversity Research Institute stated that corporate involvement in nature conservation not only demonstrates ESG spirit but is also a crucial practice in advancing Nature Positive. In the future, resources from enterprises, government, academic research institutions, and local communities will continue to be integrated through scientific research, habitat restoration, and environmental education to jointly establish a blue carbon governance model that balances carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and community resilience.

Taiwan Mobile stated that natural carbon sinks are sustainable projects requiring long-term investment, scientific monitoring, and multi-party collaboration. In the next phase, Taiwan Mobile will evaluate the integration of IoT sensors, image transmission, and communication networks to establish a routine, automated coastal ecological monitoring system. By aligning with international blue carbon methodologies, data comparability and credibility will be enhanced, advancing blue carbon restoration from single-point demonstration to long-term, scalable development.