Funder
The Nature Conservancy (Project ID: GBELIZ-080422)
Cofinancing
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – Blue Social Challenge Fund (Project ID: 301439-407), Belize Fund For A Sustainable Future (Project ID: BFSF/GAP/TA4/2023/10)
Timeframe
September 2022 – April 2024
Seaweed Intensification Project – Building BWSFA’s Capacity for Sustainable Mariculture
The Seaweed Intensification Project was the launchpad for a new era in Belizean seaweed farming. Before this project, BWSFA was a passionate but small collective, with big dreams but limited resources. With the support of The Nature Conservancy, those dreams began to take root.
This project was about proving what was possible, from women farmers leading a sector often dominated by men, to a grassroots association growing into a credible institution capable of attracting major investments and partners.
Highlights
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- Eight (8) active seaweed plots were established and maintained, nearly 17,000 lbs of wet Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed were harvest and sun dried into 650 lbs.
- Thirty-seven (37) seaweed farm maintenance trips helped farmers plant seaweed, tackle climate stresses head-on, while new Eucheuma isiforme seed stock was secured from Glovers Reef Marine Reserve.
- More than 20 visitations brought international chefs, film crews, students, and government officials to the farm — all curious to see BWSFA’s work firsthand.
- BWSFA held its very first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2023, elected a new Board of Directors, secured its own office, and even transferred title of its first vessel to BWSFA — proudly named Seaweed Gyal.
- The project’s success inspired confidence from other donors, enabling BWSFA to leverage over BZ $200,000 in additional funding.
Outcomes
The Seaweed Intensification Project didn’t just strengthen farms — it transformed the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association itself. Farmers learned new technical practices, leaders gained governance experience, and the organization found its voice in Belize’s national conversation on the blue economy.
Partners
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- Belize Fisheries Department
- Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA)
- Future of Fish
- Ray Caye Resort
- HATCH
- UNDP-GEF SGP