News

Toward the creation of a UN task force on seaweed – Raising the level of ambition for a sustainable blue economy

Apr 30, 2025 | Conference

The Global Seaweed Coalition will host an official in person side-event in the Blue Zone during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, entitled “Toward the creation of a UN task force on seaweed – Raising the level of ambition for a sustainable blue economy” 

Friday 13 June
8.45-10AM CET
Room 4, Conference Venue

Seaweeds play a key role in advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14. They help mitigate ocean acidification, reduce marine pollution, and support marine ecosystems. They can enhance food security and help eradicate poverty for millions of smallholders, especially in coastal communities.

This side event, co-chaired by the Minister of Blue Economy of Madagascar and representatives of the French government, will announce an initiative to create a UN Task Force on Seaweed (UNTFS), showcasing internationally coordinated efforts needed to fill critical gaps to strengthen the development of a safe and sustainable seaweed sector.

Details on UN Trade & Development’s website

Moderator: Ms. Nichola J. Dyer

Agenda & speakers

Opening remarks 

  • E. Paubert Tsimanaoraty Mahatante, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy of the Republic of Madagascar

High-level support from countries in the creation of the UNTFS

  • Eric Banel, General Director for Marine Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Republic of France
  • E. Arif Havas Oegroseno, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Indonesia
  • Dr Edwin Mhede, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, United Republic of Tanzania

Call for Action

  • Voluntary commitment: Ms. Felaniaina LANTOVOLOLONA, Aquaculture director, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy of the Republic of Madagascar
  • Elizabeth Cottier-Cook, Head of Scottish Association for Marine science, United Nations University Associate Institute

UNTFS supporters presenting the UNTFS role & function

  • FAO: M. Manuel Barange, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (TBC)
  • UNGC/GSC-ISA: M. Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor Ocean
  • UNIDO: M. Nima Bahramalian, Industrial Development Expert
  • UNCTAD: M. Ludovic Arnaud, Economic Affairs Officer
  • UNESCO: Ms. Karen evans, Head of Ocean Science Section UNESCO-IOC

Closing Remarks (4min)

Organizing partners :
Republic of France
Republic of Madagascar
FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
UNCTAD – UN Trade & Development
UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organization
UNEP – UN Environment Programme
Global Seaweed Coalition
UNGC – United Nations Global Compact
IGCN – Indonesian Global Compact Network (IGCN)
CNRS – French National Research Center
CEVA – Center for the Study and Valorization of Seaweed
Natural History Museum
SAMS – Scottish Association for Marine Science
International Seaweed Association
Aquatic Blue Food Coalition
World Bank
African Union Development Agency
NJDyer Global Advisory

UNTFS background and objectives

The global seaweed sector has grown rapidly over the past two decades, tripling in size and doubling in value to reach over 35 million tonnes (wet weight) and representing half of marine aquaculture production in volume and USD 1.2 billion in global exports value in 2022. Yet, despite its potential across food, fiber and fuel, the seaweed sector still is not well understood. It is under-supported and lacks the necessary coordination, standardization, and dedicated governance for it to expand globally and to fully contribute to the SDGs.

To respond to this global emerging challenge and opportunity, this proposal calls for UN Members to create a United Nations Task Force on Seaweed (UNTFS) that will fulfill the following objectives:

  • Provide global leadership, coordination, and knowledge-based strategic direction to harness the full potential of the multiple end-uses of seaweed at the global level.
  • Foster comprehensive and inclusive development of the seaweed sector, addressing critical areas such as standards and regulations, sustainable production practices, food and nutrition security, trade, scientific research, innovation for non-food applications, sustainable value chains, equitable social outcomes, and environmental stewardship.
  • Strengthen international and regional cooperation and align efforts to achieve a more integrated and sustainable seaweed industry.
  • Ensure that stakeholders’ perspectives, including those of small-scale producers, traders, and other actors, are well reflected in policy initiatives.

Achieving these objectives is necessary to enhance the sector’s growth, resilience, innovation, and adaptability to changing global needs. It is also essential to build a sustainable sector while learning from and addressing the challenges faced by other markets.