Belize’s Expanding Offshore Cannabis Industry

The Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA), a pioneering group comprising women, men, and youth, has embarked on a transformative journey to establish sustainable seaweed farming in Belize. Supported by a £100,000 grant from the UK Government’s Sustainable Blue Economies Programme through the Blue Social Challenge Fund (BSCF), this initiative represents a crucial step towards diversifying Belize’s economy and promoting environmentally sound practices. The project focuses on three key pillars: training, marketing, and innovation, all aimed at bolstering the fledgling seaweed industry and empowering local communities. The UK government’s commitment to assisting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Belize in confronting the challenges of climate change, fostering sustainable employment, and enhancing ocean management underscores the global significance of this project. The BSCF, designed to promote eco-friendly solutions and economic growth in coastal communities, plays a pivotal role in addressing critical issues such as overfishing, detrimental fishing practices, and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. By championing sustainable seaweed farming, BWSFA is positioned to lead the way in creating a resilient and prosperous blue economy.

Seaweed farming offers a surprisingly diverse range of potential end products, from simple culinary uses to more complex applications in cosmetics, agriculture, and even animal feed. In Belize, seaweed can be sold in its raw form, either dried or fresh, and commonly serves as a base for beverages and thickening agents. The burgeoning industry also explores value-added products like seaweed-based health drinks, smoothies, powders, soaps, shampoos, skincare products, fertilizers, soil conditioners, and animal feed supplements. BWSFA is particularly focused on developing and marketing smaller, packaged seaweed portions for beverages and soaps, recognizing their wider market appeal and higher economic value. This strategic approach aims to maximize the potential of seaweed farming while creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The partnership between BWSFA and the UK government signifies a shared vision for a sustainable future. British High Commissioner Christine Rowlands affirmed the UK’s unwavering support for the initiative, highlighting its potential to empower communities, expand Belize’s mariculture sector, and build resilience against climate change. BWSFA President Jalima Gold expressed gratitude for the investment, emphasizing its transformative potential for Belize’s seaweed mariculture industry and its contribution to strengthening the blue economy. This collaboration demonstrates the power of international partnerships in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development. The Blue Social Challenge Fund, with its second call for proposals slated for 2025, exemplifies the ongoing commitment to empowering coastal communities in their fight against the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods.

The BWSFA seaweed farming project is strategically designed to achieve several key goals, including enhancing training opportunities, expanding seaweed farm capacity, improving processing and marketing, and fostering community engagement. Training programs focus on developing advanced skills such as boat navigation and seaweed product creation, including soap making. The project aims to expand the number of seaweed plots and establish a seed bank to ensure the long-term viability of the farms. A mobile processing facility will be established to improve product quality and consistency, while new packaging and targeted marketing campaigns will enhance market reach and brand recognition. Finally, community engagement initiatives, such as seaweed farm tours, will promote eco-tourism and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable aquaculture.

The anticipated outcomes of the project are far-reaching and encompass both economic and environmental benefits. By empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, the project aims to create sustainable income opportunities within the blue economy. Improving the competitiveness of Belize’s seaweed products will open new markets and boost economic growth. Moreover, the project’s focus on sustainable practices will contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems and build resilience against climate change. The BWSFA project aligns with national and international goals for sustainable development, highlighting the potential of seaweed farming as a model for environmentally sound economic growth.

The BWSFA project has already achieved several significant milestones, demonstrating its potential for transformative change. The first-ever boat captain training in Belize has empowered eight women and two youths with valuable skills. The project has successfully processed an impressive 17,000 pounds of wet seaweed, showcasing the scalability of the farming operation. The launch of affordable 2-ounce seaweed products under a unique brand further demonstrates the commitment to value addition and market penetration. Since its inception in 2019, BWSFA has been a champion for gender equity and community development. Building on this foundation, the seaweed farming project aims to elevate Belize’s seaweed industry to new heights and establish a benchmark for sustainable marine economies across the Caribbean. The project’s success story underscores the potential of community-led initiatives, supported by international partnerships, to drive sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.