Creating a global kelp forest conservation fundraising target: A 14-billion-dollar investment to “help the kelp”

Kelp forests are vital marine ecosystems that support high biodiversity and provide essential economic and cultural services along one-third of the world's coastlines. However, many of these underwater forests are declining worldwide, prompting international initiatives to set ambitious conservation goals. The Kelp Forest Challenge, a global, grassroots initiative, aims to protect 3 million and restore 1 million ha of kelp by 2040. Achieving such area-based targets requires significant financial investment. Here we present the development of a global finance target for kelp forest conservation, formulated through a multi-stakeholder consultation and cost scenario analysis. We describe the methods used, including expert workshops and comparisons with analogous initiatives for coral reefs and mangroves. Three cost scenarios (low, medium, high) were identified for both kelp restoration and protection efforts based on global hectare targets and unit cost data. We estimate that total funding needs range from approximately $1.9 billion to $58 billion (USD), depending on cost assumptions. By using the middle cost assumptions, we propose a fundraising target of ~$14 billion. The consultation process reached consensus on adopting the medium-cost scenario as a realistic yet ambitious funding target. In the discussion, we examine the implications of this target in the context of global conservation frameworks, addressing uncertainties (e.g., regional cost variability and knowledge gaps) and outline future research needs. This work provides a data-informed financial benchmark to mobilize resources for kelp forest restoration and protection, aligning kelp conservation with other global marine conservation “breakthrough” initiatives. • 14 billion dollars are needed to meet global kelp conservation targets. • Kelp forests remain highly underrepresented in global conservation funding despite their value and ecological importance. • Protection and management of kelp forests are more cost effective than restoration. • The finance target is deliberately designed as ambitious but achievable. • The target creates a system for all actors to get involved and help track and mobilize kelp conservation.