The JPI Oceans Blue Carbon Knowledge Hub, launched in January 2024 and led by Ireland with participation from Germany, Greece, Malta, Norway, Portugal and the United Kingdom, is pleased to announce the publication of its first policy brief: ‘Enhancing Blue Carbon considerations in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)’.
Developed by the Knowledge Hub’s Policy Working Group, this brief provides targeted recommendations for strengthening the integration of blue carbon ecosystems into the implementation of the MSFD. The MSFD is crucial for the development of a common approach to blue carbon at an EU level, and adopting the recommendations will help better integrate the value of the fundamental marine ecosystem services provided by blue carbon ecosystems into decision-making.
The protection and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems for climate change mitigation and resilience overlaps with policy ambitions for biodiversity and strengthens the need for protection and restoration of these habitats through regional, national and EU actions. Implementing these recommendations could support Member States in implementing the Nature Restoration Regulation, where addressing the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change is a core objective.
This publication marks the first in a series of three briefs aimed at supporting EU policymakers and stakeholders in incorporating blue carbon ecosystems into major European regulatory frameworks.
The two upcoming briefs will focus on:
The Regulation on Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry Regulation (LULUCF) – exploring how blue carbon ecosystems can be further integrated into reporting requirements and methodologies, while identifying key policy priorities and research gaps.
The Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) – providing guidance on the inclusion of blue carbon in national restoration plans and the implementation of the regulation.
The Policy Working Group’s broader objective is to advance actionable and science-based recommendations that support the protection, restoration and monitoring of blue carbon ecosystems as part of Europe’s climate and biodiversity ambitions.
Read the full MSFD policy brief here
Read the key recommendations here