UKBCEP Evidence Needs Statement
In June 2023, the UKBCEP published its Evidence Needs Statement, which sets out the priority evidence needs and gaps for blue carbon habitats in the UK. The Evidence Needs Statement was developed through a collaborative process, drawing on the expertise and input of the UKBCEP members and other partner organisations. The Evidence Needs Statement clearly articulates the shared evidence requirements across the UK and serves as a call to action for the research community both in the UK and internationally. Following on from publication, the Implementation Plan was created to identify which of these evidence needs are being addressed by the blue carbon research community, and where new research is need to fill the evidence gaps.
The Evidence Needs Statement identifies five key blue carbon objectives where further evidence is needed to support the UK in advancing its blue carbon commitments:
Working towards the potential inclusion of saltmarsh and seagrass in the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Encouraging and enabling investment in blue carbon habitats
Reducing the impacts of human and environmental pressures, including climate change risks, on blue carbon habitats
Managing coastal and marine habitats on a seascape scale, with consideration of land and marine connectivity
Achieving climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity benefits from blue carbon habitats as nature-based solutions
The Evidence Needs Statement also categorises the evidence needs required to address these objectives under five themes:
Standardised Methods and Quality Control
Habitat Mapping
Carbon Stock, Accumulation, Burial and Emissions Data
Impacts of Human Activities and Climate Change
Socio-Economic Benefits and Costs
The Evidence Needs Statement can be downloaded from the following links: