In 2024, the Norwegian Blue Forests Network (NBFN) advanced blue forest restoration and conservation knowledge through key initiatives, including the Tromsø conference, which brought together experts to discuss how kelp forests in Northern Norway can be restored, and the release of the annual Top Trends report, highlighting critical developments in the field. These efforts took […]

In 2023, the Norwegian Blue Forests Network launched the first ever global synthesis report on kelp forests, together with UNEP and GRID-Arendal. The network also produced the second annual overview of what is happening in the field of blue forests as well as a stock-take of the kelp industry. In addition, NBFN contributed to filling […]

Top 10 Trends 2024 report   The Norwegian Blue Forests Network continues its annual tradition of gathering experts to highlight the year’s most significant trends in blue forest research, management, and policy. Blue forests faced growing pressures from climate change and anthropogenic activity. In recognition of their importance, as well as the importance of nature in […]

Despite coming off a record-breaking year of global temperatures, COP29 was not a game-changer and lacked bold ambitions. Still, it moved the needle forward on key issues such as financing and carbon credits. Oceans and blue forests were a topic of discussion. However, they weren’t the “hot topic” that they were at COP27.   I […]

A new study finds that seaweed forests are responsible for 3-4% of the global ocean carbon sink. Norway’s vast kelp forests have an important climate mitigation role to play – particularly in the face of rising ocean temperatures. The world’s seaweed forests are declining at an alarming rate. Urgent action is needed to halt – […]

Top 10 Trends 2023 report   Continuing the tradition from last year, the Norwegian Blue Forest Network has gathered marine experts to assemble their joint overview of the greatest trends for blue forests research, management and policy over the course of the year. 2023 unfolded as a year of unprecedented challenges, from global warming to […]

Blue forests & COP28: overview of Oceans, Blue Forests and Blue Carbon events Gro Slotsvik – GRID-Arendal   The annual UN climate Conference of the Parties (COP) took place in Dubai on 30 November to 12 December 2023. We gathered all events relevant to blue forests in a single easy-to-read overview.  COP28 had a varied […]

30 BY 30: HOW TO RESTORE THE KELP FORESTS? Barbro Taraldset Haugland – Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway   A couple of years into the UN Decade of Ocean Science, there is increased focus on restoring blue forests along the coastline. In December, Norway signed the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, where one of […]

NBFN AT ARENDALSUKA 2023 During Arendalsuka, experts, politicians, and industry representatives gathered in  GRID-Arendal’s back garden to discuss what it will take to further develop the seaweed industry in Norway and Europe.  Watch the full event on YouTube Norway is in many regards an ideal country for cultivating seaweed, with tangle, rockweed, and sugar kelp growing […]

THE KELP INDUSTRY: OPPORTUNITIES, BARRIERS, AND NEXT STEPS Authors: Sunniva Tangen Haldorsen (NIVA), Gunhild Borgersen (NIVA), Arne Duinker (IMR), Peter Haugan (IMR), Cecilie Wathne (Norwegian Blue Forests Network)   Seaweed farming could become a major industry in Europe, with many predicting that the industry is about to take off. Among the countries in question is […]