Marine forests, like seagrass meadows and macroalgae forests, are vital carbon sinks, storing carbon in biomass and sediments. Seagrasses excel in CO2 and organic matter removal, while macroalgae's carbon sequestration potential remains unclear. Widespread coastal development, especially in Portugal, has led to marine forest decline, resulting in lost carbon storage and ecosystem services. Urgent restoration efforts are needed to combat climate change and safeguard these ecosystems.
This project aims to advance scientific understanding and develop innovative restoration technologies. This includes identifying optimal reforestation sites and implementing novel planting methods. Additionally, the project aims to quantify Portuguese marine forests' blue carbon sequestration and assess the economic value of their ecosystem services.
Economic valuation of ecosystem services is crucial for biodiversity conservation, as emphasized in the EU's Biodiversity Strategies. Despite increasing valuation studies, significant gaps remain, particularly in valuing services like water flow regulation and cultural benefits. This project aims to address these gaps by focusing on poorly evaluated services alongside carbon sequestration.
Ultimately, the project aims to foster a sustainable blue economy in Portugal, leveraging resilient marine ecosystems' benefits through scientific advancement, technological innovation, and comprehensive economic valuation.