The call: We are looking for volunteers to apply to join a panel of experts to set targets for a Seaweed Breakthrough.
The Seaweed Breakthrough: This is a potentially powerful means of protecting seaweeds and seaweed habitats. The Breakthrough concept is a conservation initiative developed through the United Nations Breakthrough Agenda for use by governments and non-governmental organisations, where a science-based approach is taken to implement large-scale restoration and protection of habitats using measurable indicators and achievable goals (https://breakthroughagenda.org/).
The Breakthrough targets
1. Halt loss
2. Protect 30%
3. Restore 30%
4. Finance sustainably
How to apply to join the panel: If you have expertise in one or more target areas, and would like to apply to join the panel, please send a 2 page CV and a short motivation statement (250 words max) to seaweedprotect@nhm.ac.uk by Friday 25th July 2025.
What happens next: An independent group of reviewers will assess the applications and select c. 35 people to serve as members of the pool of experts.
The role of the panel: If selected as a panel member, you will use your expertise to contribute to arriving at science-based figures in the four target areas.
Task of a panel member: You will be expected to attend two online meetings, each 3 hours in duration and provide feedback on the Seaweed Breakthrough targets via worksheets between meetings.
First meeting: This will be held on Tuesday 9th September 2025. You will be introduced to the Breakthrough concept and process, then asked to complete a worksheet by 23rd September 2025. The information will be collated by the GlobalSeaweed project leads.
Second meeting: This will be held on Tuesday 14th October 2025. The consolidated results will be presented to the panel. You will then discuss these and provide feedback to the project leads.
A further meeting may be necessary, depending on the outcome of the second meeting.
For further information: Contact seaweedprotect@nhm.ac.uk or Prof. Juliet Brodie j.brodie@nhm.ac.uk
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