Bangkok, Thailand (5–7 May 2026) – Regional seaweed experts and policymakers are meeting in Bangkok for the Second Seaweed Technical Working Group (S-TWG) Meeting under the Blue Horizon Project, marking a critical step toward shaping a sustainable and inclusive seaweed industry across Southeast Asia to refine two key regional outputs namely Guide to Promoting a Sustainable Seaweed Industry and Principles/Toolkits for Responsible and Safe Seaweed Aquaculture.

Led by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Project Management Unit, the meeting brings together representatives from ASEAN Member States, technical experts, and a representative from Global Seaweed Coalition, Prof. Lim Phaik Eem to harmonize approaches across the region, strengthen seaweed value chains, and position Southeast Asia as a global leader in sustainable seaweed production.

The Guide and Principles will focus on sustainability principles with national priorities, identify priority areas such as climate resilience, value chain competitiveness, and integrate gender equality and social inclusion into seaweed development strategies.

A field visit to seaweed farms in Phetchaburi Province is also scheduled to complement technical discussions, offering participants direct insights into real-world innovations and challenges in seaweed aquaculture.

As Southeast Asia continues to scale its blue economy ambitions, this meeting signals a shift from fragmented efforts to coordinated regional action ensuring that seaweed becomes a driver of sustainable growth, environmental resilience, and inclusive livelihoods. The outcomes of this meeting will guide the drafting and validation of regional frameworks over the coming years, culminating in their endorsement by the SEAFDEC Governing Council.

The Blue Horizon: Ocean Relief through Seaweed Aquaculture Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through WWF US as GEF Agency, is executed by SEAFDEC in collaboration with national government partners, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines and the Department of Fisheries and Surveillance (DFiS) of Viet Nam.