Mangrove restoration projects are a carbon-removal project type within the ocean & water segment of the carbon market. They are designed to restore mangrove ecosystems and increase carbon stored in biomass, soils, and sediments. The carbon benefit comes from net CO2 removal into mangrove biomass, soils, and sediments. Common project configurations include Mangrove afforestation, reforestation, or revegetation on degraded tidal lands.

Mangroves can accumulate carbon in deep coastal sediments while also buffering shorelines and supporting fisheries. Blue-carbon systems can store substantial carbon in both biomass and sediments while also supporting coastal resilience, but hydrology, sediment dynamics, permanence, and community safeguards are central to quality. For buyers and program designers, the most important diligence questions are: Is hydrological restoration sound? Are sediment and biomass gains robust? Are local rights and ecological safeguards strong?