Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) refers to a diverse group of 22 sovereign states and dependent territories situated in the Pacific Ocean. They are made up of thousands of small islands and, to varying extents, are home to considerable amounts of blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves as well as other coastal ecosystems. Although their limited blue carbon ecosystem makes it difficult to describe these islands as crucial members in the realm of blue carbon, a healthy blue carbon ecosystem could help these vulnerable islands, which comparatively have very limited resources, to better cope with the dual threats of climate change and economic constraints. While PICTs holistically appear to have a limited knowledge of blue carbon and limited capabilities in blue carbon protection, several of their individual governments have already incorporated blue carbon-related protection and development agendas into their environmental policies and, in some cases, legislations. There are already efforts from international research institutes, corporations and NGOs regarding blue carbon protection in PICTs. Similarly, some foreign countries have also joined, or are considering joining, the blue carbon protection and development activities in the PICTs as these governments continue to display their dedication to protecting their coastal regions.

This quarter’s BCCC Blue Carbon Country Profile aims to help readers better understand government actions, private efforts, and international cooperation on the research, protection, and development of the blue carbon ecosystems in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). While demonstrating and acknowledging the attention that several PICTs have made on blue carbon ecosystems, mostly in the form of coastal protection, the country profile also offers insights into the future steps that PICTs could take to attract foreign investment to take its blue carbon initiatives to a higher level, as there is much potential yet untapped for this region.