BLUE carbon refers to the carbon captured by the world’s oceanic and coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems store vast amounts of carbon, playing a critical role in mitigating climate change. Protecting and restoring them is increasingly seen as a nature-based solution to environmental challenges.
In a major step toward climate action and environmental restoration, PETRONAS and Mercedes-Benz have jointly launched Blue Carbon Collective Project, a pioneering research and conservation initiative aimed at preserving Malaysia’s vital coastal ecosystems. The project was officially launched on June 13th at the Energy and Nature Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur organised by PETRONAS.
This ambitious initiative is a collaborative research effort involving the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), PETRONAS, Mercedes-Benz, and the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. The project will focus on the Sungai Santi Forest Reserve in Kota Tinggi, Johor, a region known for its rich and diverse mangrove ecosystems.
Leveraging international research experience, the University of São Paulo brings to the project its advanced blue carbon methodology developed under Brazil’s BlueShore Project. This scientific expertise will guide the Malaysian team in assessing, restoring, and enhancing carbon sequestration in the mangrove forests of Johor.
Dean, Faculty of Forestry and Environment (FHAS), UPM, Professor Azlizam Bin Aziz, serves as the project’s advisor. Speaking at the launch, he highlighted the project’s significance:
“At Sungai Santi, Johor, a vital effort is underway to protect our planet. With the support of PETRONAS, UPM is advancing blue carbon initiatives using the USP Blue Carbon experience to restore and safeguard coastal ecosystems. We extend our heartfelt thanks to PETRONAS for their generous funding and to USP for their invaluable collaboration in building a greener, more sustainable future.”
Dr. Waseem Razzaq Khan, who will lead the project, emphasised its role in ecological restoration and climate action:
“Blue Carbon Collective Project in Malaysia marks a significant initiative for the conservation and restoration of the mangrove ecosystem at Sungai Santi, Johor.
“This project represents a critical step toward enhancing ecosystem resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change through nature-based solutions.
“We are deeply grateful to PETRONAS and Mercedes-Benz for their generous funding support, and we greatly value the involvement of the University of São Paulo (USP) as a research partner contributing scientific expertise and technical guidance to this important endeavour.”
Blue Carbon Collective Project signifies a strong commitment from both the public and private sectors to address climate change through science, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at khanwaseem@upm.edu.my.
