| May 21st, 2021 | Highlights

The theme for this year’s conference is solutions: What is being done to protect and restore blue forests, both in Norway and globally? And how can these efforts be scaled up?

Blue Forest Week 2021 will bring the spectrum of actors interested in blue forests together to learn and exchange ideas – including scientists, policymakers, practitioners, the private sector, teachers and civil society.

The conference will be digital, with opportunities to contribute, ask questions, and network during the week.

Participation is both free and open to everyone.

The program and conference details will be available in early autumn. Please check back here for further updates.

* NBFN is an initiative by GRID-Arendal, the Institute for Maritime Research (IMR) and 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.

Solutions: What is being done to protect and restore blue forests, both in Norway and globally? And how can these efforts be scaled up?

Blue forests are important nature-based solutions to the climate and environmental crisis. They are also a vital part of the sustainable ocean economy. Yet many blue forests are declining in both Norway and across the globe.

In Blue Forest Week 2021, we will examine what reversing these trends will require. Topics will include ecosystem-based management, protection, restoration and policymaking. We will also explore the range, magnitude and value of blue forest ecosystem services – from carbon removal to biodiversity protection.