Blue Forests Week 2021

Conference will address what is currently being done to protect and restore blue forests, and how these efforts can be scaled and replicated

By GRID-Arendal

October 7^th, 2021

Blue forests are coastal ecosystems such as kelp forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes and mangrove forests. These ecosystems support important nature-based solutions to the climate and environmental crisis – blue forests in Nordic countries alone hold an estimated 33 million tonnes of CO2. Blue forests are also vital for maintaining a sustainable ocean economy. Unfortunately, blue forests across the globe show patterns of decline, including many kelp forests and seagrass meadows in Norway. Further loss of these vital ecosystems will have ripple effects on our economy and well-being.

To examine how these trends can be reversed, the theme of Blue Forest Week 2021 is Solutions. The conference will address two key questions:

What is currently being done to protect and restore blue forests?

How can these efforts be scaled and replicated?

To address these questions, attendees will hear from domestic and international experts throughout six exciting sessions. The conference will open on November 16th by exploring opportunities and challenges for blue forests in light of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) and the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15). A preview of the forthcoming UNEP and NBFN global kelp assessment will also be presented. Day two and three of the conference will primarily be in Norwegian, covering the themes, “Why Care about Norwegian Blue Forests” and, “Blue Forests: Solutions for the Road Ahead”, respectively.

Blue Forest Week 2021 will convene stakeholders who share a common interest in blue forests, including scientists, policymakers, practitioners, the private sector, teachers and civil society. Registration and participation is free and open to all who wish to attend.