The project concerns BioChar (BC), which is a product of biomass-to-energy processing systems, and has as its aim in raising awareness and building confidence in BC as a way of capturing carbon and increasing soil quality and stability in order to make the soil climate change resilient. The concept of BioChar (BC) is relatively new and only practiced in US, Canada and Australia. In order to keep up with international competition it is mandatory to develop and compile a transnational NSR knowledge base which can be utilized by national and regional authorities, business and general public. Climate change in the North Sea Region is predicted to have a pronounced effect on annual rainfall patterns. Soils, rich in organic matter and biological life, function both as a water buffer during periods of drought and as drainage during periods of heavy rains. Biochar creates a triple win scenario for simultaneously producing bio-energy, permanently sequestering carbon, while increasing crop yields by improving soil and water quality. Achievements: 1. Joint development and implementation of biochar knowledge dissemination strategy for authorities, producers and end-users of biochar and public opinion for raising awareness and building confidence in biochar applications. (WP2)a) Successful execution of the dissemination strategy of biochar knowledge collected and obtained by the Interreg project;b) Creation of easily accessible and widely distributed newsletters as well as the manuscript for a popular book on biochar (to be published later in 2014 or early 2015) accurately describing the current state of affairs in all things biochar;c) The creation and/or development of vertically integrated national biochar networks / national forums supported by national biochar competence centres. 2. Joint development and implementation of knowledge and methodological standards on biochar feedstocks, logistics, production, biochar characterisation and environmental impact assessment. (WP3)a) Creation of an extensive knowledge base and methodological standards on biochar feedstocks, logistics, production, biochar characterisation and environmental impact assessment;b) Greater insight into the inherent risks associated with the use of biochar such as the possible presence of toxins depending on the feedstock used and thereby recognition of the necessity of some form of certification for biochars;c) Additional steps were made with respect to the harmonisation of existing guidelines for biochar certification as published by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI), the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) and the Biochar Quality Mandate (BQM) and steps were made towards consensus on the topic of certification. 3. Joint development and implementation of methodological standards on Biochar applications for soil quality and fertility improvement, for soil remediation and stabilisation and for carbon capture and storage. (WP4)a) Creation of an extensive knowledge base on the application of biochar for soil quality and fertility improvement, for soil remediation and stabilisation and for carbon capture and storage;b) Successful execution of innovative field trials in all 7 NSR countries;c) Identification of niche markets for new innovative applications of biochar;d) Greater insight into the possibilities of biochar as a method for large scale carbon sequestration.