Project/company overview
A key strategic objective of this agency is to enhance its engagement with, and value provided to, senior decision makers in government, industry and the philanthropic sector regarding marine environment decision making. The Blue Carbon Tidal Restoration methodology falls within the federal Clean Energy Regulator’s Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF). This methodology was viewed as an ideal area to explore capability development for the agency in strategic decision support, and build knowledge in carbon sequestration and valuation of the associated co-benefits.
Problem
Adaptus were engaged to develop and pilot a framework and supporting decision model for assessing improvements in ecological and socio-ecological benefits from the restoration of tidal marshes. Adaptus developed restoration design concepts for notional locations on the east coast of Australia, and undertook a triple-bottom-line cost-benefit analysis, including environmental, social and financial values generated over a 25-year project lifecycle. Uncertainty in current and future costs and benefits, sequestration and other physical uncertainties was explored through our proprietary decision modelling software.
Outcome
The pilot allowed the agency to understand the economic challenges and carbon sequestration impacts of tidal marsh blue carbon projects, along with valuing significant co-benefits. For example, one relatively small 60ha restoration location with $100k in Capex was estimated to generate up to $100k in carbon credits, and up to $3 million in societal benefits such as nutrient removal and cultural value. The organisation can now confidently solve dilemmas on target ecosystem selection, restoration method and scale, to inform decisions in blue carbon investment.
