The Colloquium will be organized in the following sessions:

Broad introductory session on the state of the climate and the role of CDR in reaching the Paris Agreement, and the role of the ocean in sequestering CO2.

Technological approaches: An in-depth look at various marine CDR technologies including sessions on mCDR based on the biological pump (Blue Carbon Economy, eaweed, micro/macro algae farming, biomass sinking, Ocean Fertilisation, Artificial up/down-welling),  Ocean alkalinity Enhancement ( Enhance Weathering, Ocean Liming,  Electrochemistry) and deep-sea storage ( Direct Ocean Capture).

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of mCDR technologies: Session will cover methods for assessing the full lifecycle—from resource extraction and long-term deployment. Discussions will highlight the importance of comprehensive LCA in ensuring that mCDR technologies contribute effectively to climate goals.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and environmental monitoring: It will explore the challenges of developing MRV and environmental monitoring frameworks for accurately monitoring carbon sequestration, tracking environmental impacts, and ensuring transparency in carbon accounting.

Environmental and socio-economic impacts: Presentations will address the potential ecological effects on marine ecosystems, including biodiversity, water quality, and habitat disruption. The session will discuss socio-economic considerations in understanding the cost-effectiveness and potential co-benefits of marine CDR as well as the role, risks and benefits linked to the carbon markets (voluntary and unvoluntary) in the mCDR industry.

Legal and Governance Challenges in mCDR: Presentations will delve into the complexities of international law, maritime regulations, and the role of regional agreements in governing mCDR activities. Key topics will include liability, permitting, environmental safeguards, and the need for multilateral cooperation to ensure equitable and transparent oversight. The session will also explore how current governance structures can adapt to emerging technologies, and what regulatory frameworks must be developed to manage risks while fostering innovation in mCDR.

Societal acceptance: Presentations will address the role of stakeholder engagement, public communication, and risk perception in influencing the acceptance of mCDR. The session will address the importance of transparent decision-making and inclusivity in addressing ethical concerns. Session will discuss strategies for building trust and fostering dialogue between scientists, policymakers, industry, and the to ensure that mCDR solutions align with societal values and priorities.

Panel discussions:

Understanding the role, benefits and risks of Carbon Market in mCDR development

This panel will critically examine the potential benefit and risks associated with the integration of marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) into carbon markets.

Experts from industry, policy, and finance will discuss the current and potential mechanisms for integrating mCDR into voluntary and regulated carbon markets, highlighting key opportunities for generating revenue through carbon credits. The panel will also explore the challenges of ensuring equitable distribution of benefits and preventing negative social impacts on vulnerable coastal communities, such as potential disruption to marine ecosystems and livelihoods. Other key issues include the risk of insufficient regulation, leading to poorly monitored or non-permanent carbon sequestration projects, and the potential for market volatility to undermine long-term investments in mCDR technologies. Panelists will discuss how to mitigate these risks through strong governance, transparent certification, and responsible market practices that prioritize climate integrity over short-term profit.

Bridging R&D from the Private Sector and the Academic Research

This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges in bridging R&D efforts between the private sector and academic research to advance mCDR technologies. Industry leaders and academic researchers will discuss how to foster collaboration, ensuring that cutting-edge scientific advancements are effectively translated into scalable commercial solutions. Topics will include knowledge exchange, aligning research priorities, and addressing the gap between fundamental research and the needs of the market. The panel will also cover intellectual property considerations, the importance of open data sharing, and how to overcome barriers such as regulatory hurdles and funding mismatches. Emphasis will be placed on creating synergies between private innovation and academic rigor to drive impactful and sustainable mCDR technologies forward.