Blue Catalyst, launched by WWF Singapore and Hatch Blue to surface technological solutions that expand blue carbon ecosystems and accelerate restoration finance through carbon markets projected to reach $45b (US$35b) by 2030.
NEW YORK — On Sept. 24, WWF Singapore and Hatch Blue launched Blue Catalyst, an open innovation challenge supported by Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB) to surface and scale technologies that expand blue carbon ecosystems. Over 12 months, selected early-stage firms will test their tools on WWF-managed conservation sites in Southeast Asia, with mentorship from Hatch Blue to prepare for investment and growth.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Blue Carbon – Why Now ?
Blue carbon ecosystems—notably mangroves and seagrasses—are highly effective at fighting climate change, storing up to four times more carbon than other ecosystems. They underpin $1b (US$800b) in food security and livelihoodsannually, yet 40% of mangrove-dependent species are threatened globally. Carbon markets are emerging as a critical funding mechanism for restoration, with market value projected to grow to as much as $45b (US$35b) by 2030.
The program targets technologies that can accurately map blue carbon habitats, monitor biodiversity, improve sapling mortality, and scale business models that make conservation investable. WWF will provide blue carbon science and carbon markets expertise via its global network; Hatch Blue—an investment and innovation firm focused on ocean health—will offer commercial guidance, mentorship, and investor readiness.
The collaboration agreement among WWF-Singapore, Hatch Blue, and EDB was signed Sept. 24 at the North America Climate Summit (on the sidelines of New York Climate Week). An open call for applications and program details will be announced in December.
The Opportunity—and the Barriers
More than 30% of the world’s mangroves and seagrass are located in Southeast Asia. These ecosystems can store more carbon per hectare than tropical forests, support wildlife, and protect coastal communities from storms. One carbon credit represents one tonne of CO₂ removed or avoided; credits can be sold to companies worldwide seeking to offset emissions. Existing projects include Delta Blue Carbon (Pakistan) and BlueMX (Mexico).
Yet only ~0.2% of voluntary carbon market credits currently come from blue carbon habitats, said Hatch Blue co-founder Wayne Murphy, reflecting uncertainties that hinder commercial viability.
Yet only ~0.2% of voluntary carbon market credits currently come from blue carbon habitats, said Hatch Blue co-founder Wayne Murphy, reflecting uncertainties that hinder commercial viability.
Unlike forests, where carbon is primarily in roots, trunks, and branches (and can be estimated with laser or satellite scanning and established equations), blue carbon locks much of its carbon in seafloor sediments—harder to measure consistently. Seagrass meadows vary widely by species composition and local conditions, so carbon stock per hectare can differ substantially. For investors, unclear baselines and trajectories complicate return-on-investment. A 2023 scientific paper estimated almost 50% of mangrove restoration projects over the past 40 years failed.
Blue Catalyst seeks to close these gaps with geospatial mapping to track ecosystem change, modeling software to understand carbon stock over time, and nursery and restoration solutions to raise survival rates—all geared to high-integrity credits.
Blue Catalyst seeks to close these gaps with geospatial mapping to track ecosystem change, modeling software to understand carbon stock over time, and nursery and restoration solutions to raise survival rates—all geared to high-integrity credits.
Singapore’s Carbon-Market Strategy and Jobs Outlook
EDB said the initiative addresses blue carbon project development gaps observed in the market. It will refer innovative companies to the program, while WWF and Hatch Blue networks help scale reach. Mr Lim Wey-Len, EDB’s executive vice-president overseeing the green economy, said Singapore has identified carbon markets as a pathway to net-zero by 2050.
Singapore earlier estimated using high-quality carbon credits to offset about 2.51 million tonnes of emissions annually over this decade (e.g., 2030 emissions of 62.51 million tonnes brought down to 60 million tonnes with credits). Carbon markets also present an economic opportunity, creating jobs in sustainability reporting, carbon verification, and related services. Singapore aims to build itself up as a hub for carbon services in Asia-Pacific by leveraging strengths in professional services and finance.
At a separate summit event, Benedict Chia, Singapore’s director-general for climate change, said the Republic is looking at two categories of credits: energy and nature. On energy, he cited transition credits from early coal plant retirements. On nature, he referenced a Sept. 16 announcement that Singapore established contracts for carbon credits from restoration and protection projects in Ghana, Paraguay, and Peru. Another request for proposals for carbon credits is expected in Q4 2025.
For WWF and Hatch Blue, success means raising the quantity of high-quality blue carbon credits, de-risking projects with better measurement and monitoring, and improving restoration outcomes so capital flows responsibly. Mr Murphy said participants will benefit from WWF’s scientific and technical expertise, EDB’s strategic and industry support, and Hatch Blue’s commercial know-how—a combination intended to move solutions from pilot to implementation at scale.
Lead image courtesy of press release.
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