| May 21st, 2021 | Highlights

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM HIGHLIGHTS LOSS OF NATURAL DIVERSITY AS ONE OF THE FIVE BIGGEST THREATS TO THE WORLD ECONOMY.​

In connection with the International Day for Biological Diversity, the Norwegian Blue Forests Network for is launching a policy brief on the importance of blue forests for biodiversity. Blue forests, such as seaweed and kelp forests, seagrass beds, tidal marshes and mangrove forests, are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Thousands of species depend on blue forests for spawning, nursing, protection and food.

In many parts of the world, blue forests are in decline. The extent and pace of the reduction is alarming. Measures to preserve and restore blue forests will both reverse the decline of these natural habitats, as well as contribute to reducing the decline in biological diversity. But unfortunately, blue forests often get less focus than terrestrial forests or coral reefs. When blue forests are recognised, the emphasis is primarily on mangrove trees, to a lesser extent seagrass and rarely seaweeds, kelp forests, or tidal beds.

Blue forests must increasingly be prioritized. Additionally, coastal ecosystems should ideally be specified in the new global biodiversity framework to be negotiated in Kunming, China in October. This would be in line with the UN’s Sustainability Goals and the outgoing Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

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