Advancing sustainable seaweed value chains for climate, biodiversity and trade

The UN Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI) is a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at advancing sustainable and inclusive seaweed value chains, contributing to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable ocean-based economic development.

The Initiative originated from a recommendation of the 5th UN Ocean Forum, was further announced in the context of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, formally launched at the UN General Assembly 2025, and its initial Plan of Action for multiple benefits from seaweed was consolidated at COP30.

UNGSI currently brings together eight member States (Belize, Brazil, Chile, France, Indonesia, Madagascar, Senegal and the Republic of Korea) and it is currently co-Chaired by France and Madagascar”.

It is supported by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), UN Global Compact (UNGC), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC) and Global Seaweed Coalition (GSC).

Despite its high potential, the seaweed sector faces persistent challenges across its value chain, including:

• Limited integration into policy frameworks (NDCs, NBSAPs)
• Constraints in sustainable production systems
• Fragmented regulatory frameworks and standards, including sustainable production, food security and trade
• Lack of Access to finance and investment mechanisms
• Research gaps and limited species diversification

Objectives of the event

• Advance dialogue among Member States on priority actions
• Address key bottlenecks across the seaweed value chain
• Strengthen coordination among partners and stakeholders
• Improve governance arrangements for the continuation of the UNGSI including the definition of the role and composition of the Secretariat.
• Identify concrete pathways for implementation and financing