The Evolving Role of Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning in Enhancing Blue Carbon Ecosystems Governance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Blue carbon ecosystems are critical biodiversity hotspots facing escalating threats. Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP) is a key policy tool for protecting their biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem services, resilience, climate action, and sustainable development. We performed a systematic bibliometric analysis (1981–2025) using the Web of Science Core Collection. The results indicated that global CMSP–blue carbon ecosystems collaborative research exhibits a three-stage evolutionary pattern: the initial phase (2008–2012) of blue carbon concept introduction; the development phase (2013–2018), where research focus shifted to carbon sinks and ecology driven by policy initiatives; and the growth phase (2019–2025), where research focused on precision systematic governance. Research has evolved from baseline ecosystem assessments to policy governance integration, which emerged as a core component of Marine Spatial Planning to advance sustainable development. Research networks exhibit a “center–periphery” pattern. However, the international influence of China’s research output remains limited. Future CMSP collaborative governance will require refining planning frameworks, addressing regional technical adaptation challenges, and establishing a multidimensional policy system to reconcile the effective conservation of blue carbon ecosystems in order to reconcile biodiversity, resilience, and sustainable development. This study maps the CMSP–blue carbon ecosystems research landscape, informing improved climate-friendly marine and coastal spatial planning for enhanced coastal wetland biodiversity and ecological resilience.