Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Regional

Abstract

The project ‘Blue Horizon: Ocean Relief through Seaweed Aquaculture’ will work regionally in Southeast Asia, as well as in Philippines and Viet Nam specifically, to develop seaweed value chains that deliver ecosystem services and socio-economic benefits. Ecosystem services include the assimilation of excess nutrients from coastal waters, which mitigates ocean eutrophication and acidification and improves habitat for marine life. Seaweed also captures carbon, which reduces ocean acidity and allows for greater capacity of the ocean to slow the rate of climate change. Downstream of the farming segment of the value chain, additional environmental benefits will be derived from the manufacture of seaweed-based products that are biodegradable, such as bioplastics, and other low-energy product substitutes (such as seaweed-based animal feed). Social and economic benefits include the diversification of livelihood options, improved household and community revenues, and opportunities for equitable participation of women and men in the improved or new livelihood opportunities along the value chain.