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UK Blue Carbon Forum Newsletter November 2022The latest edition of the UK Blue Carbon Forum newsletter is here to keep you updated on current research and activities in the blue carbon community. Scroll down to find out the latest. |
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Forum News |
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Next Blue Carbon Meeting |
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The next Core Forum meeting is taking place on Tue 29 November, 2pm - 4pm. If you are not a member of the Forum and would be interested in exploring membership, or if you are a member and have not received an invitation, please get in touch with the Secretariat. |
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Website Updates |
We continue to welcome contributions to the website, so please do feel free to approach us with content that may be relevant to future website updates or newsletters. This might include project developments, upcoming or recent events, and opportunities for funding or collaboration. |
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Upcoming Events |
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UK Saltmarsh Day: Exploring the Saltmarsh Carbon Code |
Are you interested in green finance and saltmarsh carbon? Run by the IUCN National Committee UK, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, RSPB, and the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, this event will showcase the development of the draft Saltmarsh Carbon Code for the UK. Following this, there will be a workshop for those working on measuring and monitoring carbon. Date & Time: 15 November, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM GMT Where: Online |
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Ecological connectivity across temperate coastal habitats - moving towards seascape scale restoration |
This two-day symposium will provide a comprehensive review of the current state of science surrounding habitat connectivity in temperate coastal systems and provide a firm basis for discussion and networking relating to the policy and practical importance of this understanding. Symposium sessions will focus on ecological connectivity, climate mitigation, resilience, restoration potential and benefits of restoration of threatened coastal habitats. Date: 22 & 23 November Where: Zoological Society of London |
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MASTS 12th Annual Science Meeting |
The recent Marine Alliance Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) Annual Science Meeting was held from 8 to 10 November. We hosted a workshop on the final day of the event with the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum. Our workshop focused on science to inform action on blue carbon, which aimed to identify and provide evidence-based actions for blue carbon as nature-based solutions to climate change. Look out for outcomes from our session on our Twitter. |
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Blue Carbon News |
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High-Quality Blue Carbon Principles and Guidance |
Issued by a global coalition of ocean leaders, “High-Quality Blue Carbon Principles and Guidance” was launched at COP27. It is a first-of-its-kind blue carbon framework to guide the development and purchasing of high-quality blue carbon projects and credits. The principles aim to build confidence and momentum around blue carbon projects and ensure positive outcomes for people, nature, and climate. |
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New Mapping Tools for Seagrass and Saltmarsh Habitats |
The Environment Agency and Natural England have released new mapping tools which reveal the extent of seagrass and saltmarsh habitats around England for the first time. The maps will provide valuable information for the management of these crucial blue carbon habitats, helping drive forward restoration projects. |
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10 Point Climate and Nature Action Plan |
The APPG for the Environment published its 10 point plan for climate and nature, which sets out a series of policy priorities for the government over the next 12 months, focusing on particularly pressing areas for this year, or where there is an opportunity to build on existing pledges. Point nine asks the government to restore 30% of UK saltmarshes and seagrass meadows by 2030. |
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Carbon Stored in Jersey’s Territorial Waters |
A new study has examined the amount of carbon stored in Jersey’s territorial waters as part of wider efforts to tackle climate change. The study estimated that Jersey’s seabed, including habitats such as seagrass and kelp forests, helps remove more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon every year. |
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Known Seagrass Areas Mapped Across the UK Coastline |
All known UK seagrass areas from 1998 to 2021 have been mapped by Project Seagrass’s Daniel Rice, Richard Unsworth and colleagues. Approximately 14,000 hectares of seagrass have been mapped across the UK coastline! |
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Useful Resources |
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| A new study evaluates a range of seagrass management and conservation approaches, using a framework developed from UNEP’s ‘Out Of The Blue’ report. |
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| The new RSPB report suggests that more effective policies are needed for UK waters to be effectively managed for nature and climate, including protecting blue carbon habitats. |
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| Since the publication of the first saltmarsh national inventory in 2011, approx. 95% of saltmarsh in England has been remapped. This report examines the overall change in the habitat. |
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| Research from Carolyn Graves and colleagues from Cefas identifies research priorities for blue carbon and emerging capabilities for shelf sediments. |
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