The work of Oscar Serrano, researcher at Centre for Advanced Studies in Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), focused on the conservation and recovery of blue carbon, a key component in mitigating climate change, has been awarded the 3rd Banco Sabadell Foundation Award for Marine Sustainability.
The panel of judges of this award, chaired by Prof Isabel Cacho, has recognized Dr. Serrano for having become “a global trailblazer in blue carbon, pioneering in the assessment of seagrass beds as carbon sinks”. Furthermore, she highlighted that “his scientific contributions had led to the development of biodiversity restoration initiatives, funded by carbon credits that have helped to maintain sustainable fisheries for the benefit of the local population”.
His most significant contributions are based on the pioneering use of sedimentary seagrass records of the Mediterranean Sea and Australia. “We have been able to demonstrate for the first time that the records of sedimentary seagrass beds can be used to improve the ability of scientists and environmental managers to better understand, predict and manage the ecological change of marine ecosystems”, Serrano explained.
Chairman of Banco Sabadell and of its Foundation, Josep Oliu, highlighted the importance of research works that “contribute to the conservation of the marine ecosystem, the preservation of biodiversity and climate change mitigation”. In addition, he explained that this award, which was created in 2022 in partnership with Seastainable Ventures, aims to “incentivise and recognise the work of young researchers in the field of marine sustainability, more specifically, to recognise those research works that show tangible evidence of their applicability”.
This award is part, alongside the Economic Research Award, the Biomedical Research Award and the Award for Sciences and Engineering, of the commitment undertaken by the Banco Sabadell Foundation to promote research and education, particularly focusing on young talent. In addition, it is a key component of the Institution’s ESG framework for action, Sabadell’s Commitment to Sustainability, which seeks to drive transformation initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
Serrano holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a PhD in Marine Ecology by the University of Barcelona. He has conducted most of his research career in the Edith Cowan University in Australia where he specialised in the management of wetlands, mangroves and seagrass beds for climate change mitigation and adaptation. His research works have contributed to bringing relevance to coastal ecosystems and to the implementation of conservation and restoration policies in the coastal areas of many parts of the world.
The work of Dr Serrano is driving the deployment of a pioneering commercial model that supports sustainable fishing through the restoration of marine ecosystems funded by carbon credits and biodiversity. His research works highlight the value of the marine natural capital and its regeneration through innovative and sustainable approaches based on cutting-edge science. When he was 24 years old, Dr Serrano cofounded BIOSFERA in Spain, a non-profit organisation engaged in environmental education, research and conservation that implemented several conservation actions in marine areas and contributes to the outreach of sustainable development.
