The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Norwegian Blue Forests Network are holding a technical webinar (hybrid) on the 8th of March 09:00am - 12:00pm CET: “Blue Forests and Poverty - the role of blue forests in international development: From food security to climate change.”

Blue forests are coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass meadows, kelp forests and saltmarshes. Their role as a habitat for marine species as well as food and feed, makes them essential for both food security and the rising blue economy. Healthy blue forests also store large amounts of carbon and can protect coastal communities from storms, making them an important nature-based tool for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Globally, decision makers are asking for support and guidance to better understand the importance of blue forests and how they can help achieve their local, national, and international goals and commitments. As more countries are engaging in coastal and marine management processes, it is important that they understand the full value of having healthy blue forests.

We will discuss opportunities and dilemmas when it comes to everything from harvesting more food from the oceans, to delving into the growing blue carbon market. In honor of the international women's day there will be a focus on gender aspects as well. We will hear from partner countries, FAO, World Bank, civil society, research institutions and more.

Attendees can either join digitally or physically (Norad, 5th floor, Bygdøy Allé 2, max 50). For in person participants, there will be coffee from 08:30 - 09:00 and lunch at 12:00. Please register for the seminar here.