Kelp Blue at UN Ocean Conference 2022

The UN Ocean conference took place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 27th June – 1st July after two years of postponements because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Caroline Slootweg – Co-founder, and Cayne Moffat – Head of Strategic Management and Analysis, attended the conference, representing Kelp Blue. Caroline and Cayne highlighted how seaweed cultivation could be a viable solution to restoring ocean health and pushed for a more streamlined licensing process for future seaweed cultivators.

It was great to see many commitments, pledges and actions presented, from blue carbon ecosystems to new financial instruments to pledge toward more effective ocean protection.

“It was truly inspiring to see so many stakeholders come together (in person as well!) to drive forward this pertinent agenda. The enthusiasm and passion for our oceans was abundant through every event. This year’s theme was about increasing the scale of ocean action through science and innovation. It was encouraging to witness our mission at Kelp Blue being reflected by a global ambition for a rich ocean economy.” – Cayne Moffat, putting into words how invigorating it was to see cohesion of the ocean ecosystem from commercial businesses to academics to philanthropists.

On 30th June, Caroline spoke at a side event with Safe Seaweed Coalition, and highlighted how seaweed can help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life below water with a focus on Africa. Caroline spoke about the revolutionary role of seaweed in addressing the most critical environmental challenges and how seaweed can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14.

Further on, Caroline received a last minute invitation to panel at The Prince Albert of Monaco Foundation event at the Gulbenkian, stepping in for a speaker unable to join. This event was about investment in the blue economy and how WEF UpLink has been an invaluable source of support for Ocean innovators and entrepreneurs.

We are enormously proud to have been given the opportunity to attend this prestigious and ocean changing event organised by the United Nations. Presenting alongside the most influential leaders in ocean sustainability was recognition of our commitment and pioneering research in support of the seaweed revolution.