HYUNDAI / FORESTS WITHOUT NAMES

A GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO GIVE KELP FORESTS WHAT EVERY PROTECTED ECOSYSTEM ON LAND HAS: A NAME AND DEFINED BOUNDARIES.

Forests Without Names is a global initiative to give kelp forests what every protected ecosystem on land already has: a name and clearly defined boundaries. Not as a symbolic act, but to create the conditions for protection. By giving kelp forests a defined identity, they can now be referenced, studied, and acted upon as individual ecosystems. They move from being part of a broader ocean, to places that can be recognized on their own.

THE FIRST UNIFIED GLOBAL MAP FOR KELP FORESTS

We brought together fragmented datasets from NGOs and research institutes around the world. Coordinates were cross-referenced, conflicts resolved, and formats standardized.

AN ONGOING TOOL FOR NGO'S AND SCIENTISTS

The map was designed not as a one-off visualization, but as an ongoing tool for scientists and NGOs. At its core, it creates a shared language. For the first time, organizations worldwide can refer to the same forests, using consistent names and boundaries within a unified system.

DOWNLOADABLE WHITEPAPERS FOR EVERY FOREST

Each named forest is supported by a downloadable white paper detailing its boundaries, data sources, and ecological significance—turning every location into a credible reference. This gives scientists, NGOs, and policymakers something they can use directly, ensuring every name is evidence-backed and supports research, advocacy, and protection.