Overview
Dive into the fascinating world of Norwegian kelp forests in our upcoming webinar! Join us for an enlightening session that brings together experts from various fields to explore the historical evolution, current state, challenges, and future of these vital marine ecosystems as governed by national ambitions to – in parallel – sustainably exploit, protect and restore in different parts of the long Norwegian coast. On top of that, get an update on European research and innovation in support of marine coastal blue carbon ecosystems by policy officer Ivan Conesa-Alcolean, DG Research & Innovation. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leading researchers and policymakers in the field. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session, allowing you to interact directly with our esteemed speakers. The webinar is co-convened by the projects BlueMissionAA, A_AGORA, ACTNOW, C-BLUES, Invest4Nature and MARHAB, and the Norwegian Blue Forest Network.
Programme
14:00
Welcome, Sindre Langaas, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
14:05
European research and innovation in support of marine coastal blue carbon ecosystems, Ivan Conesa Alcolea, DG Research & Innovation
14:15
The evolution of the Norwegian kelp forests and their present status, Kjell Magnus Norderhaug, Institute for Marine Research (IMR)
14:25
Kelp restoration – alternative techniques and their pros and cons, Eli Rinde, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
14:35
Norwegian kelp governance and management, from harvesting to restoration, Gunnar Sander, Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
14:50
Q&A
Speakers
SPEAKER
Ivan Conesa-Alcolea
DG Research & Innovation
Ivan Conesa Alcolea is a Policy Officer at the European Commission’s Directorate General for Research & Innovation, focusing on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He manages research and innovation policies, collaborative projects, and EU funding programs related to these areas. His work supports key EU initiatives, including the Mission to Restore our Ocean and Waters.
SPEAKER
Kjell Magnus Norderhaug
Institute for Marine Research (IMR)
Kjell Magnus Norderhaug is a Research Professor at the Institute of Marine Research in Norway, specializing in coastal ecosystems with a particular focus on kelp forest ecology and trophic interactions. Norderhaug’s work on blue forests, particularly kelp forests, has been extensive and impactful. He has contributed significantly to understanding the role of kelp forests as key drivers of productivity in shallow marine habitats.
SPEAKER
Eli Rinde
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
Eli Rinde is a Senior Research Scientist at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA). She holds a PhD in kelp forest ecology from the University of Oslo and specializes in marine biology. Rinde works in the Marine Biology section at NIVA and has been involved in numerous research projects. Her expertise includes coastal ecosystem dynamics, marine habitat mapping, and modelling.
SPEAKER
Gunnar Sander
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA)
Gunnar Sander is a Senior Researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA). He holds a PhD in social science and has extensive experience in marine science and management, including environmental monitoring and ecosystem-based management. His background includes work at the Norwegian Polar Institute and the European Environment Agency prior to his current position in NIVA, with expertise in Arctic environmental affairs and ocean assessments.
Resources
March 19th, 2025, Atlantic & Arctic Lighthouse Weekly Hour S03E10: European macroalgae management: The case of the Norwegian kelp forests