Abstract:

With the introduction of China’s mangrove-afforestation methodology,mangrove carbon sinks can now realize their value through the voluntary greenhouse-gas emission-trading market.The basic framework for a market-based mangrove-carbon-sink trading system has been preliminarily established,yet detailed operational rules are still missing.Substantively,the legal nature of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) as tradable assets remains undefined,leaving the property-rights relationships among trading parties unregulated.Procedurally,mangrove-afforestation projects involve both the use of natural-resource rights and conservation obligations,but the underlying regulatory framework is inadequate.To address these issues,drawing on quasi-property right and ownership provisions,mangrove-carbon-sink rights should be recognized as jointly held by the participating entities,with benefit-sharing determined by mutual agreement.When applying for a mangrove-afforestation project,applicants must secure the relevant natural-resource use rights in accordance with the site’s specific geographical classification.

Key words: mangrove carbon sinks, carbon trading, ownership relationships, quasi-property rights