Landscape Mapping Blue Forests Policy in Norway

Interviewee recommendations By suggesting recommendations and identifying potential opportunities, participants offered insight as to how they believe blue forests policy can be advanced within Norway. These recommendations can be summarized by the following six points: 1. Increase scientific research: There are still gaps within blue forests knowledge that require research, particularly regarding the potential capacity of carbon storage in kelp forests. 2. Increase national mapping: A nationwide mapping programme would allow for enhanced monitoring and comprehensive integrated management plans to preserve and protect blue forests along the Norwegian coastline. 3. Expand international carbon frameworks: Natural carbon storage of blue forests should be incorporated into international target-setting frameworks and implemented in a way that avoids double-counting of emissions.

4. Collaborate: Managing and researching blue forests requires additional collaboration between diverse stakeholders – particularly

between scales of governance. This also includes additional dialogue with the cultivated macroalgae sector to explore the potential ecosystem services that cultivated macroalgae can provide.

5. Value ecosystem services: Financial mechanisms should recognize the value of the ecosystem services provided by blue forests, although the capacity of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) to incorporate blue carbon on a wide scale is disputed. 6. Increase understanding of blue forests: Knowledge of blue forests needs to be disseminated through outreach to multiple sectors, including the public, students, fisheries and decision makers.

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