This session brings together non-state actors. These groups play very important roles, both in raising people’s voices/interests and in sharing their vast experience, ranging from grass roots issues to debates in international fora. A sustainability agenda may be able to bridge the development and conservation gap in regard to blue carbon ecosystems, which span coastal zones through to the open ocean, including marine protected areas. While keeping a keen eye on practicality aspects, panel members will cover the governance and institutional challenges around mainstreaming blue carbon at national and global levels.