Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, has an extensive coastline that provides ideal conditions for seaweed cultivation. In 2022, it was the second-largest seaweed producer globally, with a whopping 9.6 million tons has a total global seaweed trade value of US$3.7 billion. Indonesia’s contribution apparently reached 16% of the total global seaweed trade, namely US$600 million.
The country is also home to about 500 different seaweed species and is the leading producer of tropical seaweed. This thriving industry is crucial to the local economy, especially in coastal communities. As one of the world’s leading producers of seaweed, contributing more than 75% of global tropic seaweed, this industry plays a significant role in the local economy, particularly in coastal communities.
Despite its potential, the seaweed industry faces challenges, such as market fluctuations and price volatility. Additionally, Indonesia’s seaweed production is not yet fully optimized, covering only 102

thousand hectares, or about 0.8% of its potential. Furthermore, over 60% of seaweed exports are still in the form of raw or dried seaweed, with limited processing into value-added products.
To address these challenges, seamless integration between upstream cultivation and downstream processing and marketing is essential. This integration can lead to higher productivity, improved quality control, and a more reliable supply chain. The Indonesian government is playing a crucial role in supporting the industry through various policies and programs aimed at promoting sustainability and growth. Initiatives include training and education, research funding, infrastructure development, and financial support. The establishment of the International Tropical Seaweed Research Center (ITSRC) highlights the commitment to advancing scientific research, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable practices.
Currently, Indonesia is starting a 100 Ha pilot project in East Lombok with its strategic partners. Every 100 Ha of largescale seaweed culture will produce 10-15 thousand tons of wet seaweed per year, hundreds of direct workers from residents around the coast, and around 1 million liters of biostimulant or organic fertilizer. Apart from biostimulant, harvests which are then directly processed through factories will also be able to produce things like biofuel, biodegradable plastic and food with high nutritional value.
Therefore, this program will be the focus of the Indonesian government for the next 5-10 years. If we work optimally, this program will not only contribute to efforts to curb the rate of climate change, but also provide added economic value and improve the welfare of coastal communities.

Seaweed, often overlooked, holds immense potential in combating climate change. As a rapidly growing marine plant, seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen. This natural process helps mitigate the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

Moreover, seaweed farming can be a sustainable and profitable industry, providing livelihoods for coastal communities. By cultivating seaweed, we can create a circular economy where waste products from other industries can be used as nutrients for seaweed growth, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable development.
However, to fully harness the potential of seaweed for carbon emission reduction and sustainable development, global cooperation is essential. Governments, businesses, and researchers must work together to invest in seaweed research, develop innovative farming techniques, and create supportive policies. By doing so, we can scale up seaweed production and unlock its full potential for people, the planet, and prosperity.

The primary objective of the seaweed seminar is to foster global collaboration and advocate for the establishment of a United Nations Seaweed Task Force. This task force would play a
pivotal role in:
Promoting seaweed research and development:
Encouraging scientific inquiry into the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of seaweed.
Facilitating knowledge sharing: Establishing platforms for researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange information and best practices.
Developing sustainable seaweed farming practices: Supporting the development of environmentally friendly and economically viable seaweed farming methods.
Addressing regulatory and policy challenges: Identifying and addressing barriers to seaweed cultivation and utilization.
Promoting the benefits of seaweed: Raising awareness of the potential of seaweed for climate change mitigation, food security, and economic development.
Encouraging international cooperation: Fostering partnerships between countries to advance seaweed research, cultivation, and utilization.
By establishing a UN Seaweed Task Force, we can accelerate progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Target Audience: Governments, Private Sectors, International Organizations, Academia, NGOs, UN Agencies, and others.
The agenda consists of:
Keynote speech
Talk show (with and without presentation)
Discussion Q&A
Recommendation to follow up on the talk show.