Nipa Palm (Nypa fruticans) Utilization: Implications for Blue Carbon and the Sustainable Bioeconomy – A Systematic Review

Background Nypa fruticans (nipa palm) provides ecological and economic benefits in tropical mangrove ecosystems but remains underrepresented in blue carbon inventories and bioeconomy policy. This review assessed its uses, carbon sequestration potential relative to other mangroves, and contribution to a sustainable bioeconomy. Methods A systematic review followed PRISMA 2020. Scopus was searched for “Nypa fruticans,” “Nipa Palm,” and “Nipah.” English-language, open-access journal articles published from 2016 to 2026 were screened in six stages using predefined criteria. Data were extracted into a structured database and analysed using bibliometric analysis and qualitative synthesis. Results Of 454 records identified, 175 studies were included. Research mainly originated from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, with publication output increasing after 2019. Eight themes emerged: bioenergy; food and functional products; health and pharmaceutical products; materials; livelihoods and value chains; cultural ecosystem services; blue carbon and ecosystem support; and sustainability risks, including invasiveness. Mean carbon fraction was 42.48% (range 41.45–43.50%), while reported carbon stocks ranged from 7.26 to 38.10 Mg C ha −1 , below values reported for Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza. Nipa may contribute to carbon storage in degraded coastal areas and dense stands, while bioethanol from its sap may achieve a net-negative carbon balance. Estimated annual net income from nipa-sap bioethanol was IDR 6.1–42.0 million ha −1 . Its phytochemicals indicate antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective potential. Conclusions Nypa fruticans is a multifunctional coastal resource, but economic uses must be balanced against ecological trade-offs, including invasiveness outside its native range. REDD+ and Nationally Determined Contributions carbon accounting should consider nipa-specific values; soil carbon in nipa-dominated stands requires further study. Product innovation and adaptive coastal management could support a sustainable bioeconomy.