Geneva [Switzerland], May 1: Seaweed, a versatile marine macroalgae, can immensely contribute to climate action, food security and gender equality, according to a UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) study entitled "An ocean of opportunities: The potential of seaweed to advance environmental and gender dimensions of SDGs."
But it's often overshadowed by fisheries and aquaculture sectors, leading to an underestimation of its economic importance, particularly for women.
"Seaweed has superpowers. It can advance several sustainable development goals at a time - economic empowerment of women and food security while helping to tackle the triple environmental crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution," said Chantal Line Carpentier, head of the trade and environment branch at UN Trade and Development.
Seaweed uses span various areas, including as food in sushi, salads, soups and beverages. It's also used in industrial sectors such as pharmaceuticals, aquatic animal feed, cosmetics, textiles, bio-packaging, and in environmental projects ranging from carbon capture to renewable energy production.
In addition, it's used to tackle common nutritional deficiencies, including iron, vitamin A, omega-3 and iodine, but more research is needed on its nutritional composition, bioavailability and health risks.
According to the report, seaweed production is resource-efficient and its ecological footprint is low, as production doesn't need land, fresh water or fertilizers. It also absorbs more carbon than tropical forests or mangroves.
But global regulations, standards and guidance for seaweed production and human consumption are lacking. This hinders its contribution to addressing global challenges such as hunger, plastic pollution, wastewater management and environmental pollutants.
UN Trade and Development data shows that the global market for seaweed more than tripled over the last two decades, from $5 billion in 2000 to $17 billion in 2021, when its global exports amounted to about $1 billion.
The global fisheries and living marine resources market was estimated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization at $400 billion in 2020, making seaweed a small but fast-growing segment.
The soaring market holds immense promise beyond food and aquaculture sectors, showing seaweed's potential to replace fossil fuels in industries such as textiles and plastics.
"Seaweed can increase opportunities for income diversification, new business activities and local employment, thus empowering women, youth and indigenous people," said David Vivas Eugui, chief of UN Trade and Development's ocean and circular economy section.
But international trade in seaweed and its by-products is under-explored, representing only 14% of the total market value. Chile, China, Indonesia, Ireland and the Republic of Korea dominate the exports.
Source: Emirates News Agency