The widespread use of industrial fertilizers in agriculture has created a global pollution challenge. Synthetic fertilizers are quite high in nutrient content which is used to stimulate the rapid growth of plants. However, its use leads to the degradation of soil structure that results in nutrient lost from soils through leaching and gas emission. Excess nutrients that run off from land escape to the waterways and end up into the ocean. 

While a healthy ocean sustains the delicate balance among a diverse marine life, provides valuable ecosystem services and regulates climate and reduces climate change impacts, excess nutrient loads lead to an overgrowth of algae that sinks and decomposes in the water. This consumes and depletes the water's natural supply of oxygen, creating havoc and consequently causing ‘dead zones’ that suffocate aquatic and marine life.  

Seaweed offers a wide range of ecological as well as economic benefits. Aside from providing home and breeding grounds for countless organisms, seaweed is also very efficient at sequestering carbon dioxide and using it to grow. In huge amounts, seaweed is known to help combat the local impacts of ocean acidification. Some cultures include seaweed in their regular diet, and it is even regarded as a super food due to its high calcium and iodine content. It is also used as emulsifier and binding agent for consumer goods such as toothpastes, shampoos, cosmetics, dairy products, and even pharmaceuticals. Yet, seaweed’s role as a nature-based solution for conventional agriculture is underutilized. 

The OIC support enabled Ficosterra to conduct field and laboratory tests in Mexico and Morocco to scientifically consolidate and confirm the viability of seaweed in producing fertilizers that provide Three Wins for people and the planet: 

• Nature win by reducing carbon footprint and nutrient runoff; 

• Farmers win by increasing crop yield; and 

• Consumers win by accessing healthier food for themselves and the planet. 

Now on their final two weeks in the OIC programme, Ficosterra is proud to share through this capstone event the outcomes of their OIC journey, lessons learned, and success stories which are ready to be replicated by farming and coastal communities looking to create sustainable livelihoods while saving the ocean.

The event included interpretation in Spanish and French.

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