Bangkok, Thailand (25-26 November 2025)

Southeast Asia made a significant stride toward developing a more sustainable and resilient seaweed industry as experts from ASEAN member countries gathered in Bangkok for the inaugural meeting of the Seaweed Technical Working Group (S-TWG) under the Blue Horizon: Ocean Relief through Seaweed Aquaculture Project. This event marked the beginning of a region-wide effort to harmonize seaweed farming practices, strengthen value chains, and establish a shared pathway for environmentally responsible aquaculture.

Over the course of two days, Southeast Asian seaweed experts shared insights on their national seaweed industries, discussing production trends, challenges, and opportunities for future growth. Seaweed plays a vital economic role in the region, supporting thousands of coastal households and contributing significantly to the global supply of carrageenan and other high-value products. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global seaweed production has been on the rise, surpassing 35 million tons in recent years (https://www.fao.org/state-of-world-fisheries-aquaculture).

A key focus of the discussions was the development of a Regional Guide to Promoting a Sustainable Seaweed Industry in Southeast Asia. This guide aims to help countries strengthen environmental safeguards, improve product quality, and ensure safe working conditions across seaweed value chains. It will draw on regional experiences and global principles established by key organizations working in seaweed aquaculture. The S-TWG will play a leading role in shaping, validating, and promoting the adoption of this guide.

Delegates emphasized that seaweed farming is at a crucial crossroads. While the sector offers climate-friendly livelihood opportunities, it faces increasing pressures from disease outbreaks, climate variability, and market inconsistencies. These challenges underscored the necessity for regional cooperation, especially as countries explore more modern techniques, strengthen safety compliance, and expand into emerging markets.

A strong emphasis on gender inclusion also shaped the meeting. Countries report on seaweed industry in the region and SEAFDEC's Gender Focal Point highlighted the contributions of women and young groups, particularly in post-harvest handling and processing, and stressed the importance of integrating gender considerations into all S-TWG activities. This commitment ensures that the Blue Horizon project aligns with broader GEF priorities for equitable participation and inclusive development.

The meeting concluded with agreements on next steps, including the establishment of a work program to draft the Regional Guide, refinement of the Principles of Responsible and Safe Seaweed Aquaculture, and preparations for continued collaboration through 2028. Participants expressed confidence that the S-TWG will serve not only as a technical group but also as a regional community dedicated to strengthening the future of seaweed aquaculture.

The launch of the S-TWG signals a renewed collective effort to safeguard one of Southeast Asia's most valuable ocean resources. Through shared knowledge, coordinated action, and strong regional leadership, the Blue Horizon project aims to support a resilient seaweed industry that benefits coastal communities and contributes to the sustainability of the world's oceans.