SEA-Quester
Bringing together 10 research institutions from across the Arctic to study the phenomenon of “polar blue carbon”.
SEA-Quester Policy Assessment
Exploring how “blue carbon” is recognised in Arctic climate and biodiversity policy frameworks, and what this means for the future of polar marine ecosystems.
Overview
The European Union-funded SEA-Quester project investigates newly emerging European and polar blue carbon habitats and their role in climate and biodiversity governance. In support of the research, this assessment examines how the term “blue carbon” is currently reflected in international policy frameworks, using the Arctic as a case study.
The report analyses Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs) submitted by Arctic Council member states, observer countries, and the European Union. The assessment is complemented by interviews with representatives working across climate, biodiversity, and marine governance.
The findings reveal that blue carbon is more frequently referenced by Arctic Council observer states than by member states, and, surprisingly, more often acknowledged in a biodiversity context rather than a climate context. A science-policy gap is also emerging: while drivers of change are generally understood, projections of change for blue carbon ecosystems is lacking, leading to decreased resilience for blue carbon ecosystems when international policy processes move slowly.
What You’ll Find
- An assessment of how blue carbon is reflected in Arctic NDCs and NBSAPs
- Comparative analysis across Arctic Council member and observer states
- An overview of coastal and oceanic blue carbon ecosystems in polar regions
- A reflection on important limitations of the blue carbon concept in biodiversity and climate contexts
- Reflections on climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity co-benefits
- Interviews with national representatives from Canada, Finland, and the Republic of Korea
- Recommendations for strengthening the science-policy interface and improving coordination between climate and biodiversity frameworks
Why It Matters
Polar marine ecosystems are changing rapidly under the pressures of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. At the same time, interest in blue carbon is growing as countries seek nature-based approaches that support both climate and biodiversity goals. Looks like the blue carbon concept – originally applied to tropical coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses – has also made its way to the Arctic!
This assessment contributes to a deeper understanding of how blue carbon is currently recognised in policy and where important gaps remain. The report encourages broader conversations about marine ecosystem governance, and long-term stewardship of polar regions in an uncertain climate future.
The findings support policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working to strengthen connections between biodiversity and climate action, while advancing more integrated and science-based environmental governance.
Status: Completed
Type: Monograph
Author: GRID-Arendal
Year of publication: 2025
Publisher: GRID-Arendal
Place of publication: Arendal
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