WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Zhang compared Chinese national/local policy documents, carbon accounting standards and 12 expert interviews. The research identifies tensions among baselines, MRV, registries, liability and risk-sharing as local pilot programs try to operationalize national blue-carbon ambitions.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
A carbon estimate is an input to a governance system, not proof of a durable environmental outcome. Credible project design requires monitoring standards, accountable institutions, financial continuity and a fair division of long-horizon risk.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
This purposive qualitative study did not measure realized carbon sequestration or independently test offset additionality; 12 experts cannot represent all fishers, local communities or projects.
SOURCE
Regional Environmental Change — Zhang (2026)
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