Overview of Euro-BC

The JPI Oceans Knowledge Hub on Blue Carbon (Euro-BC) is a Core Project under the Global Ocean – Blue Carbon (GO-BC) Decade programme. It facilitates knowledge transfer, strengthens collaboration, and connects European Blue Carbon (BC) projects to the global initiative. By establishing a multidisciplinary network, Euro-BC enables knowledge sharing, best practices, and the development of an open-access platform that includes a repository of European BC information for various stakeholders. Additionally, Euro-BC aims to produce a policy series tailored to European legislative drivers.

Objectives

Euro-BC has several key objectives:

1. Knowledge Network: Establish a multidisciplinary network for sharing knowledge and best practices.

2. Data Platform: Create an accessible platform with database on habitat extent, vulnerability, carbon stock and sequestration data, collaborating with EMODnet.

3. Scientific Synthesis: Summarise the current state of BC science and identify knowledge gaps to inform a research funding call envisioned for 2025.

4. Policy Series: Develop a policy series providing guidance on how existing frameworks and policies can contribute to BC science and management

Activities

Euro-BC activities include:

• Engaging with GO-BC programme leads and other European BC initiatives.

• Hosting a satellite event at the Ocean Decade conference in April 2024 to build the network and discuss priorities.

• Convening working groups to achieve the objectives outlined above.

Collaboration and Integration

Euro-BC aligns with the GO-BC Decade programme’s priorities to enhance understanding of the climate-ocean nexus and generate solutions to mitigate climate change. By fostering scientific cooperation, Euro-BC contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, and 17. It promotes collaboration between global and regional initiatives, capacity building in BC science, and efficient communication of outcomes to policymakers and communities.

Leadership and Communication

Euro-BC is led by Ireland (Marine Institute) and the JPI Oceans Secretariat with support from several other JPI Oceans members (Germany, Greece, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom). The Coordination Unit comprises Dr Majbritt Bolton-Warberg (Marine Institute, Ireland) and Dr Yekaterina Astafyeva (JPI Oceans). The Scientific Chair is Dr Grace Cott (University College Dublin, Ireland), with Dr Martin Zimmer (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Germany) as Co-Chair.

The JPI Oceans Secretariat promotes Euro-BC through various channels, including the JPI Oceans website and social media. They also support the lead country in organising and managing contributions to Euro-BC via the network of experts nominated by participating JPI Oceans member countries