“Blue Forest Week 2021: Solutions”

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 tonne 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 for 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, and 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.
 
For more information about the event, including a detailed programme, please visit the Blue Forests' website.

The Norwegian Blue Forests Network

The Norwegian Blue Forests Network is an initiative by GRID-Arendal, the Institute for Maritime Research (IMR) and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. Our mission is to be the best source of reliable and up to date knowledge on Norwegian blue forests in order to raise awareness, offer solutions, inspire ecosystem-based policymaking, and encourage the sustainable use of blue forests in Norway and beyond.