GO-BC
Scottish Research Partnerships Underpin Scotland's First Blue Carbon Action Plan
Groundbreaking research by Scottish research institutions has helped shape Scotland’s first-ever Blue Carbon Action Plan (BCAP), launched on the 10 September by Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, who said:
“Blue carbon has a crucial role to play in protecting seas and coastal habitats and in tackling climate change, here and all around the world. I’m pleased that Scotland is at the forefront of international research on Blue Carbon and to be launching Scotland’s first Blue Carbon Action Plan today, at the University of St Andrews. This plan details our continued commitment to understand these important habitats and their potential contribution to climate change and highlights the projects underway that will help achieve that. I would like to thank the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum for their work.”
Photograph: Professor Bill Austin (Scottish Blue Carbon Forum Chair) and Gillian Martin MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy) launching Scotland's first Blue Carbon Action Plan from the University of St. Andrews. Photo credits: Edward Broughton.
The plan sets out how Scotland will support its blue carbon habitats – saltmarsh, seagrass, seabed sediments, and kelp/seaweeds – which naturally capture and store carbon, in some cases for thousands of years. These habitats not only play a vital role in climate change mitigation, but also provide coastal protection, flood resilience, biodiversity support, and nursery grounds for fisheries.
The plan also outlines how blue carbon is considered in existing policies in Scotland and work being undertaken by the Scottish Government and Scotland’s nature agency NatureScot to integrate blue carbon into upcoming policy, based on the latest scientific evidence. The Action Plan was supported by the work of the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (SBCF), chaired by Professor William (Bill) Austin of the University of St Andrews. Members of the forum and other blue carbon stakeholders also provided feedback and insights during the development of the plan. Professor Austin said:
Photograph: Professor Bill Austin discussing the co-benefits that saltmarsh ecosystems provide for people, climate, and nature in the physical laboratories of the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, University of St. Andrews. Photo credits: Edward Broughton.
“Scotland’s blue carbon ecosystems are among our greatest natural assets in the fight against climate change. This Action Plan reflects years of collaborative work, bringing together science, policy, and stakeholders to ensure these habitats are protected and restored for future generations. I am proud that the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum has played such a central role in shaping national policy on climate and marine conservation. In my current role as Chair of GO-BC, I’d be delighted to discuss how the plan was formed and share ideas on how other regional or national blue carbon action plans may be developed.”
The Blue Carbon Action Plan fulfils Scottish Government commitments under the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan (documents which fulfil international obligations for adaptation and biodiversity). It contributes directly to the Scotland’s wider strategic goals of achieving Net Zero by 2045, becoming nature positive by 2030, and restoring biodiversity by 2045.
The Plan sets out actions the Scottish Government will take over the next three years to fill evidence gaps to enable inclusion of blue carbon habitats (saltmarsh and seagrass) in the UK’s greenhouse gas inventory, to strengthen collaboration through the UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership (UKBCEP), and international networks such as the International Partnership for Blue Carbon and GO-BC, and how blue carbon is being given due consideration in upcoming marine policies.
To find out more about the plan please contact:
