Founded in 2003, the Alaskan Native Conservancy is a Native-led organization that seeks to “protect and preserve endangered habitats and traditional food sources…while at the same time counteracting climate change…. and…strengthen[ing] Native Alaskans’ inherent rights.” It is living proof that seaweed farming can both empower marginalized communities and solve climate change. CIR has already previously discussed both the environmental impacts and economic viability of seaweed farming, so I will not focus on them here. Rather, I will explore how seaweed farming, specifically used by the Alaskan Native Conservancy, has served indigenous communities. The Alaskan Native Conservancy recognizes that the “major barrier to entry into the kelp mariculture industry” is access to parent kelp seed stock. Seed stock is necessary, the Alaskan Native Conservancy claims, to establish a healthy network of kelp farms in Prince William Sound. Their model for portable kelp seed nursery operations en...
ImpactInvesting.Online explores the intersection of economics, finance, equity, and accountability. Featuring expert commentary, original data, and real-time analysis, the blog covers ESG, impact investing, and socially responsible finance with a focus on how markets can serve the public good. Updated regularly with insights on policy, corporate behavior, and systemic risk.