The proposed Research Network is a pioneering initiative in Spain focused on Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs), such as salt marshes and seagrass meadows. The Network’s main objective is to foster collaboration between national and international research groups to advise society and authorities on the key role of BCEs in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.
The proposal is based on three main areas of work: analyzing the current state of BCEs and identifying knowledge gaps; advising managers and policymakers on developing conservation and restoration strategies and plans; and internationalizing and disseminating the knowledge generated. Furthermore, the Network plans to organize the first international congress on BCEs, develop training courses, and conduct outreach tailored to various social sectors to strengthen awareness and commitment to these ecosystems.
The Network aims to have a significant scientific, environmental, and social impact. In addition to contributing to the fulfillment of commitments such as the European Nature Restoration Act and the 2030 Agenda, it seeks to establish a unified standard for blue carbon credits, based on the Andalusian experience, and promote its expansion at the European level. It will also create a national inventory of Environmental Conservation Areas (ECAs) and a web portal to centralize all relevant information. Finally, the training of new experts and the creation of an interdisciplinary network will facilitate innovation, knowledge transfer, and the integration of ECAs into public policies and business initiatives.
