The Community that Carrageenan Built
ZANEA Seaweed Company
For centuries, coastal communities have relied on the sea to support their way of life. Aquaculture or aquatic farming is only decades old. Seaweed farming began in Zanzibar in 1989 – 1990 and has played an important role in improving the standard of living here – especially for women, who make up around 70 percent of the workforce and obtain a meaningful cash income for their skills.
The success of this viable economic activity can be seen in the increase in bank accounts in the area, improved homes and infrastructure, and, most importantly, the number of children receiving an education. This year, a new hospital will open on land donated by ZANEA Seaweed Company. Through grants from its nonprofit Huber Helps program, CP Kelco recently purchased a solar water pump for one of the villages, providing clean water for over 2,000 people.
For centuries, coastal communities have relied on the sea to support their way of life. Aquaculture or aquatic farming is only decades old. Seaweed farming began in Zanzibar in 1989 – 1990 and has played an important role in improving the standard of living here – especially for women, who make up around 70 percent of the workforce and obtain a meaningful cash income for their skills.
The success of this viable economic activity can be seen in the increase in bank accounts in the area, improved homes and infrastructure, and, most importantly, the number of children receiving an education. This year, a new hospital will open on land donated by ZANEA Seaweed Company. Through grants from its nonprofit Huber Helps program, CP Kelco recently purchased a solar water pump for one of the villages, providing clean water for over 2,000 people.
In addition to training in sustainable farming methods, all material, including ropes and seed stocks, are provided free by CP Kelco and ZANEA Seaweed Company. On a yearly basis, the two companies supply and distribute materials valued at over $150,000 US. So far in 2023, over 300 new boats as well as planting structures, drying facilities and new shelters for the workers, have been donated.
CP Kelco is securing a sustainable seaweed aquaculture in Zanzibar so it can remain a source of livelihood for generations to come.
The seaweed itself acts as a bioremediator and filter. A fast-growing plant, seaweed is one of nature’s most effective ways to fight carbon emissions, absorbing nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It utilizes energy from sunlight and takes up excess nutrients from the water to assist the ocean’s ability to fight harmful algae blooms that lead to fish kill.
In addition to training in sustainable farming methods, all material, including ropes and seed stocks, are provided free by CP Kelco and ZANEA Seaweed Company. On a yearly basis, the two companies supply and distribute materials valued at over $150,000 US. So far in 2023, over 300 new boats as well as planting structures, drying facilities and new shelters for the workers, have been donated.
CP Kelco is securing a sustainable seaweed aquaculture in Zanzibar so it can remain a source of livelihood for generations to come.
The seaweed itself acts as a bioremediator and filter. A fast-growing plant, seaweed is one of nature’s most effective ways to fight carbon emissions, absorbing nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It utilizes energy from sunlight and takes up excess nutrients from the water to assist the ocean’s ability to fight harmful algae blooms that lead to fish kill.
To help the entire community take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by seaweed farming, CP Kelco works to prevent negative impact to the ecosystem, such as deforestation. Protection of the mangroves is essential to maintain the natural flow of the water and provide feeding grounds for native species.
Along with the ZANEA Seaweed Company, CP Kelco plants a minimum of 20,000 trees per year: One-third are used to preserve mangrove forest lands, one third supports the construction of homes and one-third is used to replenish the stakes, fish fences and other supplies needed in seaweed farming.
Prioritizing resources to improve education in Zanzibar has also been a big part of CP Kelco’s commitment to the community. In the early ‘90s, only 62 percent of school-age children in Zanzibar were enrolled in primary schools according to documents from the Zanzibar Ministry of Education.
Through its nonprofit Huber Helps program, CP Kelco has built classrooms, provided yearly donations of school supplies to the farmers’ children, sponsored equipment and tools, and renovated school buildings for more conducive learning environments.
The transformation over the years has been significant. 2019 statistics show that more than 86 percent of children are now enrolled in primary school.
To help the entire community take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by seaweed farming, CP Kelco works to prevent negative impact to the ecosystem, such as deforestation. Protection of the mangroves is essential to maintain the natural flow of the water and provide feeding grounds for native species.
Along with the ZANEA Seaweed Company, CP Kelco plants a minimum of 20,000 trees per year: One-third are used to preserve mangrove forest lands, one third supports the construction of homes and one-third is used to replenish the stakes, fish fences and other supplies needed in seaweed farming.
Prioritizing resources to improve education in Zanzibar has also been a big part of CP Kelco’s commitment to the community. In the early ‘90s, only 62 percent of school-age children in Zanzibar were enrolled in primary schools according to documents from the Zanzibar Ministry of Education. Through its nonprofit Huber Helps program, CP Kelco has built classrooms, provided yearly donations of school supplies to the farmers’ children, sponsored equipment and tools, and renovated school buildings for more conducive learning environments. The transformation over the years has been significant. 2019 statistics show that more than 86 percent of children are now enrolled in primary school.
A product you can feel good about
Extracted from this warm water red seaweed, GENU® Carrageenan forms flexible but strong gels. It is renowned for its thickening and stabilizing properties as well as its clarity. In the food and beverage industry, its main applications are in dairy, meat products and confectionery. It can also be used as a vegan alternative to gelatin.
In personal care and home care products, GENU® Carrageenan is a vegan-friendly, nature-based alternative to synthetic texturizers. With its water-binding ability, it locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated. It acts as an emulsifier to prevent oil-in-water systems from separating. It also gives a smooth and creamy texture to shampoos, lotions and other surfactant-based systems.
Extracted from this warm water red seaweed, GENU® Carrageenan forms flexible but strong gels. It is renowned for its thickening and stabilizing properties as well as its clarity. In the food and beverage industry, its main applications are in dairy, meat products and confectionery. It can also be used as a vegan alternative to gelatin.
In personal care and home care products, GENU® Carrageenan is a vegan-friendly, nature-based alternative to synthetic texturizers. With its water-binding ability, it locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated. It acts as an emulsifier to prevent oil-in-water systems from separating. It also gives a smooth and creamy texture to shampoos, lotions and other surfactant-based systems.