BIOSFERA Research & Conservation are delighted to celebrate Dr. Oscar Serrano and Dr. Nicole Foster, who were selected as finalists in the Scientists for Nature Challenge 2026: A Quantum Leap for Biodiversity and invited to present their work at the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.

Their proposal, “Scaling Blue Carbon Restoration,” addresses a critical challenge for coastal conservation: how to secure sustainable, long-term funding for the restoration of seagrass ecosystems.

Coastal ecosystems provide enormous value to fisheries, tourism and local communities, yet are increasingly threatened by climate change and human pressures. Oscar and Nicole’s innovative approach explores sustainable business models that connect restoration with multiple revenue streams across the land-ocean continuum. By creating new economic opportunities around healthy seagrass ecosystems, the model aims to make restoration financially viable while delivering benefits for biodiversity, climate mitigation and coastal communities.

The proposal was subsequently recognised as a runner-up in the Challenge, highlighting the growing international relevance of blue carbon solutions and innovative approaches that bridge science and real-world impact.

This achievement was supported by the Families for Nature Foundation, with mentorship from Michael Blank and Manuel Linder, and valuable support from Jonathan Bloch in developing the business model.

Congratulations to Oscar and Nicole on this outstanding achievement and recognition of their work!