New seaweed mariculture project launched with UK Support
UK supports Belize's blue economy with £100,000 for sustainable seaweed mariculture, empowering women-led BWSFA to boost climate resilience and livelihoods.
The Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA), a dynamic women-led organization inclusive of men, women, and youth, has launched a groundbreaking project to advance sustainable seaweed mariculture with funding from the UK Government’s Sustainable Blue Economies Programme. The initiative, titled “Empowering BWSFA: Strengthening Sustainable Seaweed Mariculture through Capacity Building, Marketing, and Innovation,” is supported by approximately £100,000 through the UK’s Blue Social Challenge Fund (BSCF).
The UK Government is committed to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Belize in building climate resilience, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and promoting better ocean management. The Blue Social Challenge Fund is a key part of this effort, helping vulnerable coastal communities tackle the impacts of climate change while driving economic growth. The newly launched project addresses the urgent need for environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive solutions in Belize’s blue economy, which has faced challenges from overfishing, unsustainable practices, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. By advancing seaweed mariculture, the project positions BWSFA to lead this emerging industry, fostering economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
British High Commissioner to Belize, Christine Rowlands, highlighted the UK’s role in advancing Belize’s blue economy:
We are happy to continue our partnership with BWSFA; through the Blue Social Challenge Fund; this project will empower local communities to develop Belize’s blue economy, grow its mariculture sector and continue to build climate resilience.
BWSFA President Jalima Gold stated:
We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the British High Commission, Belmopan, to pilot the Blue Social Challenge Fund. Their ongoing support is pivotal to advancing our efforts in building Belize’s seaweed mariculture industry — a cornerstone of our nation’s blue economy potential in the Caribbean. This investment will create a lasting and transformative impact.
The High Commissioner noted that the BSCF was created to support vulnerable communities, allowing them to work together to address the adverse impacts of climate change on their livelihoods. The second call for proposals for the Fund will be launched in 2025.
Key objectives and impact of the programme include:
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capacity building: training members in advanced skills, including Level 2 boat navigation and seaweed-based product development (for example, soap-making)
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farm expansion: increasing seaweed farm plots and establishing a seed bank to ensure long-term sustainability
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processing and marketing: constructing a mobile processing facility, improving packaging standards, and launching a marketing campaign and outreach
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community engagement: developing ecotourism opportunities through seaweed farm tours to generate income and raise awareness about sustainable practices
Expected outputs and broader impact:
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empowerment of local communities, especially women, men, and youth
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expansion of sustainable livelihoods and income streams in the blue economy
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enhanced market competitiveness of Belize’s seaweed products nationally
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strengthened marine ecosystems and contributions to climate resilience
Under the Pilot for the Blue Social Challenge Fund, the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA) achieved significant milestones by collaborating with key partners. These achievements include:
- delivering Belize’s first comprehensive boat captain training
- empowering 8 women and 2 youths with critical skills
- processing over 17,000 pounds of wet Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed for value-added production
- introducing affordable 2oz packaged seaweed products; and developing a distinctive seaweed brand
These initiatives mark a transformative step in strengthening Belize’s seaweed mariculture industry. Since its inception in 2019, BWSFA has exemplified leadership in gender equity and community-driven development. This project will elevate Belize’s seaweed industry and serve as a model for sustainable marine economies in the Caribbean.