The centerpiece of this endeavor involves the installation of a cutting-edge carbon flux tower on the picturesque Ribble Estuary in Lancashire. This tower will comprehensively measure the entire carbon cycle, validating the vital role of saltmarshes as long-term natural carbon reservoirs. Furthermore, it will investigate the impact of rising sea levels on these precious habitats, providing essential insights for prioritizing saltmarsh restoration and conservation efforts. By continuously monitoring the flow of carbon between the landscape and the atmosphere, in conjunction with conventional methods for analyzing carbon stored in saltmarsh soils, this research will quantify the amount of carbon captured, the rate of capture, and the duration of storage. Aviva’s involvement in this project aligns with its commitment to making the UK the most climate-ready large economy by 2030.
This groundbreaking research, conducted in partnership with WWF, and in collaboration with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), will contribute valuable insights into the carbon capture and storage potential of saltmarshes, ultimately contributing to the establishment of a UK Saltmarsh Code.
Native to the British Isles, saltmarshes play a pivotal role in combatting climate change by serving as enduring natural carbon reservoirs, a phenomenon often referred to as ‘blue carbon’ when it occurs in coastal and marine ecosystems. Additionally, saltmarshes are vital for reversing biodiversity loss and creating a rich and unique habitat for flora and fauna uniquely adapted to their conditions. Unfortunately, historical conversions to agricultural land have resulted in the loss of approximately 85% of English saltmarsh over the past two centuries.
In addition to their carbon storage role, saltmarshes act as a natural barrier against coastal flooding and erosion, offering invaluable protection to nearby communities. The remaining saltmarshes are estimated to provide over £1 billion in flood resilience benefits to UK homes. A 2019 report identified approximately 22,000 hectares of coastal land in the UK that could potentially be restored to saltmarsh, capturing more than 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
As the research progresses, Aviva and WWF are committed to identifying restoration sites that will yield benefits for climate, biodiversity, and coastal communities. This endeavor will contribute to the restoration of an ecosystem featuring iconic native species, including herons, egrets, otters, and various marine life such as crabs, mussels, clams, and diverse fish species. Moreover, it will support the breeding grounds of numerous migratory birds within the UK.
“Saltmarsh is a precious habitat that removes significant volumes of carbon from the atmosphere as well as being home to a wide range of native and migratory species. It also delivers flood mitigation benefits for the communities based nearby, worth over £70 million for England and Wales, protecting more than 90,000 properties and more than £2 billion of assets”3.
“Through this climate research, Aviva are also making an important contribution to achieving societal Net Zero ambitions. This project represents a significant step in addressing critical knowledge gaps in saltmarsh management, ensuring that blue carbon action is underpinned by robust science and research, driving positive outcomes for climate, nature and people.”
About WWF and Aviva partnership
In 2021, WWF and Aviva have joined forces to call for a transformational shift in the UK financial sector to help slow climate change – a shift without which the UK will not be able to meet its net zero target. Together, WWF and Aviva are also working with communities in the UK and Canada to build more climate resilient ecosystems to help reduce the risk of climate-related natural disasters and create wider benefits for people. With this three-year partnership, Aviva is WWF’s lead partner in the insurance and pension sector. To find out more visit Aviva and WWF – Aviva plc.
About WWF
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) is one of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, active in nearly 100 countries. Our supporters – more than five million of them – are helping us to restore nature and to tackle the main causes of nature’s decline, particularly the food system and climate change. We’re fighting to ensure a world with thriving habitats and species, and to change hearts and minds so it becomes unacceptable to overuse our planet’s resources.