Portfolio · Huiro

Huiro. Regenerative seaweed farming

Why We Support This Project

 
“Protecting and restoring ocean and coastal ecosystems and shifting agriculture practices has a potential impact of 6.3 to 10 GT CO2 Eq reduced/sequestered by 2050”
— Drawdown
“Seaweed farming is one of the most sustainable types of aquaculture. Expanding seaweed farming enhances carbon sequestration and boosts production of biomass that can be used for biofuel, bioplastic, livestock feed, and human consumption.”
— Drawdown
“Nature-based Solutions could contribute around 30% of the global mitigation required by 2030/2050 to achieve the 1.5/2°C temperature rise goal agreed to under the Paris Agreement”
— IUCN

How It Works

In Chile, more than 750,000 tons of algae are extracted each year, of which only 5% comes from farming. This depletion of natural banks affects their capacity to absorb CO2 and unbalances the ecosystem. In turn, more than 80,000 people (70% of those registered as fishermen) are dedicated to this activity, but they cannot make a living from it. In parallel, the salmon industry currently uses only 30% of the concessions it has. Huiro seeks to connect these problems through the cultivation of huiro algae (macrocystis pyrifera) in areas licensed to the salmon industry, restoring their balance and generating work for the communities.

  • Primary SDG
    Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

  • Target SDG Addressed
    14.2 By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.

  • Type of Impact
    Mitigation, Redesign.

  • Impact Measurement
    Tons of harvested seaweed.

"We want to change how people look at the sea and the coast; we hope they see them as cherished places filled with opportunity, and not just areas for extraction. To understand how we can regenerate and repopulate these territories, and how this translates to well-being and economic prosperity"

— Sebastián Gatica

Founders

  • María José De La Fuente

    María José De La Fuente

    Co-Founder and Director of Operations

  • Sebastián Gatica

    Sebastián Gatica

    Co-Founder & Director