Kookmin University's Graduate School of Carbon Sinks (Project Leader: Professor Lee Chang Bae) hosted a side event titled ‘Mangroves as Next-generation Nature-based Solutions: From Digital MRV to Carbon Markets’ at the Korea Pavilion during the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (UNFCCC COP30) held in Belém, Brazil on Saturday, November 15. Expansion into Carbon Markets through Digital MRV."

This event was organized by Kookmin University's Specialized Graduate School for Carbon Sinks and co-hosted by the Global Carbon Council (GCC). Experts from international organizations, research institutions, and public agencies—including The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), the Korea Forest Service, and the Korea Forestry Promotion Institute —participated. Discussions focused on the role of mangrove-based carbon sinks, digital MRV technologies, and strategies for linking to international carbon markets.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Professor Lim Chul Hee (Department of Forestry, Environment, and Systems, Kookmin University), a welcome address by Deputy Secretary General Kim Jong Ryeol (Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth), and a congratulatory speech by Deputy Secretary General Jin Sun Pil (Asian Forest Cooperation Organization, AFoCO).

During the subsequent presentation session, Kwak Ji Soo, a researcher from the Department of Climate Technology Convergence at Kookmin University's Graduate School of Carbon Sinks, presented on the carbon storage potential and biodiversity conservation of mangrove ecosystems. Park Ji Soo, another researcher, emphasized the importance of quantification technologies for blue carbon projects, based on case studies of digital MRV-based satellite and AI analysis. Furthermore, Lee Soo Kyung, Deputy Director of the GCC, explained international standards and the role of institutions in establishing a high-integrity carbon market, stressing the need to secure market trust. Dr. Daniel Murdiyarso of The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) presented the need for analysis of potential mangrove restoration areas and spatial information-based restoration strategies, focusing on the Indonesian case.

During the subsequent panel discussion, Ms. Park Ye Ji, a master's candidate from the Department of Climate Technology Convergence at our university, chaired the session and led the discussion. The Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) presented views on establishing a global integrated monitoring system for mangrove degradation and destruction and the need for data-driven restoration strategies. The Global Carbon Council (GCC) continued the discussion on a high-integrity carbon credit issuance system based on digital MRV and ways to secure trust in the international carbon market. The Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO) introduced plans for scaling up blue carbon projects and linking technology and policy through regional cooperation platforms. The Korea Forestry Promotion Institute shared policy support directions for practical private sector participation in advancing blue carbon projects. The Korea Forest Service also emphasized the importance of intergovernmental cooperation and the role of the public sector, expressing views on the potential for linking to the international carbon market.

Participants agreed that participating in the global carbon market requires the simultaneous establishment of a policy foundation, scientific and technological capabilities, and a digital data system. They also converged on the need to expand international cooperation in the blue carbon sector.

Professor Lim Cheol Hee, who hosted the event, stated, “The role of tropical carbon sinks like mangroves in responding to the climate crisis is a core strategy for achieving national NDC targets,” adding, “Kookmin University will contribute to building highly effective climate response models by expanding specialized talent development and international joint research.” Professor Lee Chang Bae, head of the project team, conveyed, “We will further strengthen the foundation for education, research, and international cooperation centered on the specialized graduate school for carbon sinks.”

This COP30 side event was significant in presenting strategies for strengthening the international cooperation network based on blue carbon, the applicability of digital MRV technology, and linkage with the international carbon market. It also served as an opportunity to showcase Kookmin University's global climate response capabilities and its educational and research achievements to the international community.