A SCIENTIFIC hub will be set up in Perth to focus on the protection of the health of ocean ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced the creation of hub at the Indian Ocean Rim Association Ministerial Conference on the Blue Economy in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The IORA Indian Ocean Blue Carbon Hub will aid the 22 IORA member states to protect and restore what are known as blue carbon ecosystems.
The hub, based at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre at the University of Western Australia in Perth, will receive $600,000 in funding over three years from the federal government and the CSIRO.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWSenator Payne said about half the world’s mangrove forests are found in the Indian Ocean region.
“We collectively have the opportunity to lead the world in using blue carbon for climate mitigation and adaptation, as well as sustainable economic development,” she said.
“Australia is fully committed to working with its partners around the region to protect an ocean that is so vital to our shared interests over generations to come.”