To examine the conditions under which countries can move beyond isolated pilot initiatives towards viable, investable seaweed industries that strengthen coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, climate adaptation and livelihoods: scientific knowledge and genetic resources, biosecurity and environmental safeguards, climate-resilient production, technical assistance, standards and compliance, processing capacity, viable markets, financing and partnerships. The roundtable sets out why these elements have to be addressed together, and what international collaboration through UNGSI and the proposed GEF-9 Global Seaweed Programme can contribute. It follows the UNGSI roundtable at COP30 and the Plan to Accelerate Solutions on the Multiple Benefits of Algae Aquaculture presented to the COP30 Climate Action Agenda.
Outcomes
- Raise awareness of the critical interconnections between seaweed, healthy coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, climate adaptation and resilient livelihoods.
- Emphasize the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange and partnerships among countries and institutions to foster well informed, impactful and synergistic action towards sustainable seaweed sector development.
- Explore pathways and opportunities for mobilizing critical technical expertise and investment to support the development of a climate-resilient and sustainable seaweed sector for the benefit of people and the environment. A one-page summary of the discussion will be circulated to participants within two weeks after the event.
Agenda
11:15–11:17
Welcome and introduction Ms. Nichola Dyer, Senior Adviser, Global Seaweed Coalition — Moderator Purpose of the roundtable, the three intended outcomes and the format of the discussion: one question to each speaker, approximately five minutes per intervention.
11:17–11:21
Opening remarks Mr. Ciyong Zou, Deputy to the Director General and Managing Director, UNIDO Welcome of the newest UNGSI Member States — Cuba, Portugal and Seychelles. Why a sustainable seaweed sector requires more than expanding cultivation; UNIDO’s downstream contribution — processing, value addition, standards and investment — and the proposed GEF-9 Global Seaweed Programme (UNIDO/FAO) as a coordinated response.
11:21–11:28
Scientific scene setting presentation Prof. Juliet Brodie, Natural History Museum, London, UK Seaweed as a biodiversity asset and the gaps in knowledge of its genetic diversity; genetic-resource mapping, gene banks and biosecurity as conditions for sustainable expansion; climate risks to seaweed ecosystems and cultivation; coastal livelihoods, environmental safeguards and viable markets (5–7 minutes)
11:28–12:03
Moderated discussion
Speakers:
• Mr. Eduardo Sfoglia, Head Advisor for International Affairs, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Brazil Representative of the Government of a second UNGSI Member State — France, Portugal or the Republic of Korea (TBC)
• Mr. Martial Bernoux, Climate Change Team Leader and Senior Natural Resources Officer, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
• Ms. Chantal Line Carpentier, Head, Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
• Mr. Jason Spensley, Senior Climate Change Specialist, Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat, speaking after the scientific and country perspectives
12:03–12:12
Open floor
12:12–12:15
Closing Ms. Nichola Dyer, Moderator Summary
