Introduction
The increased global demand for food and feed combined with a changing climate confronts societies with the challenge to develop Climate Smart Food Systems. Increased food production has to be achieved in the context of a growing set of climate change-related risks, competition for space, scarcity of resources and the need to preserve the world’ s ecosystems. In recent years, there has been significant interest in the potential contribution of m arine lower trophic species, including seaweeds, in such C limate S mart Food systems, for multiple reasons.
The growth of the global seaweed sector , already a source of income to farmers in moderate and tropical regions and now expanding to other regions , is fuelled by the development of (new) applications of seaweeds in food, feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
. Seaweeds n ot only can help meet future food demand – locally and abroad – they can also play an important role in stimulating food production on land and at sea, and contribute to the provision of ecosystem services , including climate mitigation. On land, marine resources can assist with improving soil quality and terrestrial production system efficiency, for both crops and livestock
. At sea, marine resources can increase nursery habitats and provide valuable ecosystem services such as CO2 and mineral fixation, nutrient recycling, and long term carbon storage
.
The valuation of such ecosystem services can support the seaweed farmers in setting up their business case for seaweed cultivation and can also be an additional source of income in low-income countries
. In this line of reasoning, various initiatives such as Seaforester and Oceans2050 emphasise the value of restoring global kelp ecosystems.
Objective
This study provides a realistic perspective on the role of seaweeds in a future Climate Smart Food system. It identifies different pathways for climate mitig ation, opened up by seaweed cultivation and use. For each of the identified pathways, we review the evidence base and identify challenges and risks . Furthermore, the pathways are discussed in the light of the organisation of current seaweed value chains and economic feasibility, currently and in the foreseen future. The study concludes with recommendations for business and government to advance the role seaweeds.
Methodology
The study pulls together information from two multidisciplinary research programme s: "Towards a circular and climate positive society: Marine Resources" and “Safe Seaweed by Design”. T he first phase involves a review of literature on the role of seaweed in climate mitigation, including Life-Cycle Analysis and Blue Carbon literature. In the second phase, identified pathways are evaluated, using economic models and literature.
Intended output
The results from the study will support d evelopment of seaweed application possibilities in future Climate Smart Food systems. It will also be used to inform policy decisions in meeting goals set out under EU strategy to Sustainable development for clim ate smart food systems and circular economy.
References
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