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Advancing interdisciplinary science of gender is key to the success of blue carbon initiatives

Author

Listed:
  • Whitney Yadao-Evans

    (International Blue Carbon Institute, Conservation International)

  • Diana E. Lopez

    (KIT Knowledge Institute)

  • Lalao Aigrette

    (Bôndy International)

  • Norma Arce-Peña

    (Conservation International Mexico)

  • Mark Beeston

    (International Blue Carbon Institute, Conservation International)

  • Steven W. J. Canty

    (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center)

  • Shenelly De Silva

    (ACT Group)

  • Kerry E. Grimm

    (National Audubon Society)

  • Jill Hamilton

    (Conservation International)

  • Jenny House

    (Charles Darwin University, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods)

  • Jennifer Howard

    (International Blue Carbon Institute, Conservation International)

  • Robyn James

    (The Nature Conservancy)

  • Sarah Lawless

    (Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University)

  • Sangeeta Mangubhai

    (Talanoa Consulting)

  • Cynthia McDougall

    (Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI))

  • Kaela Montgomery

    (Google)

  • Josheena Naggea

    (Blue Carbon Action Partnership, World Economic Forum
    Stanford University, Center for Ocean Solutions
    Charles Telfair Campus)

  • Maeve Nightingale

    (International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN))

  • Emily Pidgeon

    (International Blue Carbon Institute, Conservation International)

  • Serina Rahman

    (National University of Singapore, Southeast Asian Studies Dept)

  • Kame Westerman

    (Conservation International)

  • Siti Maryam Yaakub

    (Conservation International Asia, International Blue Carbon Institute)

  • Lynette Ying

    (Conservation International Asia, International Blue Carbon Institute)

Abstract

The lack of practical knowledge and effective engagement with gender in blue carbon initiatives poses a threat to their success and sustainability and risks exacerbating existing gender inequalities. Developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts, this paper proposes a research agenda, comprised of seven research areas as well as priority actions, designed to catalyze a shift towards more just, equitable and effective blue carbon initiatives. This paper is a call-to-action to increase commitment, funding, and collaborative, interdisciplinary science to close the gender gap in the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems and enhance their social-enovironmental impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Whitney Yadao-Evans & Diana E. Lopez & Lalao Aigrette & Norma Arce-Peña & Mark Beeston & Steven W. J. Canty & Shenelly De Silva & Kerry E. Grimm & Jill Hamilton & Jenny House & Jennifer Howard & Robyn, 2025. "Advancing interdisciplinary science of gender is key to the success of blue carbon initiatives," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-65593-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65593-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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