Training workshop on “Research for sustainable management of Blue Carbon Ecosystems in the Indian Ocean” 27 November - 2 December 2022, Fishery and Marine Science Institute (Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines - IH.SM), Toliara, Madagascar.

‘Blue carbon ecosystems’ (BCEs), including mangroves, seagrasses and tidal marshes, play a significant role in the marine carbon cycle, support food security and livelihoods, as well as contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Effective management of these ecosystems permits multiple development goals to be covered through a single policy framework that integrates economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness.

 

To address this important topic, the Fishery and Marine Science Institute (Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines - IH.SM) of the Republic of Madagascar, in collaboration with the IORA Secretariat, will organise a Training workshop on “Research for sustainable management of Blue Carbon Ecosystems in the Indian Ocean” from 27 November - 2 December 2022 in Toliara, Madagascar. The training will allow Member States to learn standardized protocols and methods for the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of BCE based on case studies, fieldwork and lab work and demonstrations, as well as identify the knowledge and research gaps of IORA Member States on blue carbon assessment and measurements.

The specific objectives of the training proposal are to:

• share information among the IORA Member States and to fill the gaps;
• learn standardized protocols and methods for the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of BCE based on case studies, fieldwork and lab work and demonstrations;
• carry out field and lab demonstrations to improve the skills of the Member States delegates.
• demonstrate the current blue carbon initiatives of Madagascar; and
• identify the knowledge and research gaps of IORA Member States on blue carbon assessment and measurements.

It is hoped that the training workshop will enhance the knowledge and experience of researchers from IORA Member States on BCEs, as well as to provide them with scientific tools for the sustainable management of BCEs (policy, system of governance and management), which over the long run impact on the management of these ecosystems and therefore has a prominent role in the development of the blue economy.