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 […]

To mark the third annual World Seagrass Day (1 March), we dive into this important habitat. Found in shallow coastal areas across the world, seagrass meadows may seem like unassuming habitats, but they are critical for biodiversity and human well-being globally.     Seagrasses are flowering plants that have migrated back to the sea and […]

Spotlight on the Latest Trends Speakers from the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), GRID-Arendal, and the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) delivered presentations on the ten most significant trends shaping blue forests today. Topics included kelp restoration, Norway’s struggling seaweed industry, ecosystem accounting, blue forests reporting to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Arendalsuka 2023 event Seaweed, Kelp and Sustainable Food Production: Opportunities and barriers for the industry Wednesday, August 8th from 19:00 – 20:30 at the GRID-Arendal back garden Event will be streamed (in Norwegian) For an overview of this topic, see our latest publication, ‘The kelp industry: Opportunities, barriers, and the path forward’ (in Norwegian) Add event […]

Norwegian Executive Summary of Into the Blue: Securing a Sustainable Future for Kelp Forests Into the Blue: Securing a Sustainable Future for Kelp Forests global synthesis report is the most comprehensive knowledge review on kelp to date, revealing the state of science on the world’s kelp forests and providing recommended actions to build the recovery […]

NBFN SPRING 2023 NEWSLETTER Welcome to the NBFN’s biannual newsletter. Click on the image to view the Spring 2023 edition in PDF. Subscribe to our email list to receive our newsletter directly in your inbox! SUBSCRIBE TODAY