Scottish blue carbon action plan

5. Next steps

This action plan has set out the Scottish Government’s approach to blue carbon habitats, highlighting upcoming policy developments as well as actions that will be taken by both the Scottish Government and NatureScot to address key evidence gaps over the next several years. In doing so, it takes a dual approach: first, ensuring the appropriate policy levers are being utilised based on current scientific understanding of blue carbon habitats; and second, taking action to address key evidence gaps to enhance understanding and further refine policy approaches. A summary of all actions is provided below. The findings of the research actions outlined in this action plan will be critical in determining the Scottish Government’s next steps.

The actions set out in this plan will be delivered by the Scottish Government and NatureScot and overseen by the SBCF Steering Committee. As further evidence is gathered from the research projects, the findings will be reviewed to determine their implications for policy. By the end of 2028, a review of the actions will be undertaken by the Scottish Government, which will consider the state of the evidence and policy and next steps for blue carbon.

Progress on the role of blue carbon habitats as part of broader efforts to tackle the climate crisis is being made across the UK and internationally, backed by networks and forums set up to coordinate action. Networks such as the UK Blue Carbon Forum and the International Partnership for Blue Carbon bring together government, research institutions and NGOs to work together and share knowledge. These efforts are also contributing to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). The UKBCEP also continues to coordinate efforts to build the evidence base to support blue carbon habitats, including on potential inclusion in the UK greenhouse gas inventory. The actions set out in this Scottish Blue Carbon Action Plan will make important contributions to this overall work and the gaps identified in the UKBCEP Evidence Needs Statement. The Scottish Government will continue to work with domestic and international partners to ensure progress on blue carbon is coordinated and joined up.

Additional actions to monitor and deliver this plan, together with the blue carbon community:

15. Monitoring and reporting. The delivery of actions in this plan will be overseen by the SBCF. By the end of 2028, the Scottish Government will review the implementation of actions, which will include consideration of the state of blue carbon evidence and existing policy approaches to inform the next steps.

16. Coordinating wider efforts. The Scottish Government will continue to provide financial support to UKBCEP and to work collaboratively with partners domestically and internationally to advance the commitment to protecting and restoring blue carbon habitats as a nature-based solution to tackle climate change and nature loss.