In 2024, Yunus Thailand partnered with the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) from Embassy of Canada to Thailand | Ambassade du Canada en Thaïlande and Global Seaweed Coalition to kick start the transformative pilot project, "Seaweed Social Business," in Satun, Southern Thailand. This initiative has empowered local women, alleviated poverty, and fostered community resilience by equipping them with tools and knowledge to cultivate Caulerpa racemosa var corynephora, a lesser-known yet highly sustainable and nutritious feather seaweed species. Over the past 11 months, the project has achieved remarkable milestones, with 50 women-led enterprises officially registered as seaweed entrepreneurs—further cementing its role as a catalyst for change.

Project Impact: A Snapshot of Success

Satun is renowned for its paradise Lipe Island, a popular tourist destination boasting stunning beaches and luxurious resorts. However, economic activity is largely concentrated on the island, leaving many nearby coastal communities with limited opportunities. Traditionally reliant on fisheries, these communities have faced declining income due to climate change and its adverse impact on marine resources and ensuring their food security. Recognizing this need, the Seaweed Social Business initiative began with 50 women-led enterprises from the coastal villages of Tutaelum, Kabang, and BorchedLuk—communities particularly vulnerable to economic and environmental challenges. Each participant received a seaweed cultivation toolkit valued at 9,000 baht, removing financial barriers to entry along with intensive training from our seaweed expert. Within just two weeks, these women were able to harvest their first crops, establishing an accessible and sustainable income stream.

Since its launch, the initiative has seen exponential growth:

Economic Empowerment: By March 2024 to January 2025, the women generated significant income from seaweed sales, experienced product developments, showcased their healthy and clean seaweed at provincial and local stages and provided financial relief for their families. This 11 months' success was a key turning point in demonstrating the viability of feather seaweed cultivation as a reliable livelihood.

Skill Development: Participants underwent extensive training in entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and sustainable cultivating practices, thanks to the support of CFLI and the Global Seaweed Coalition. This education has equipped them with the confidence and tools to manage and expand their businesses independently.

Community Solidarity: Collaboration among the women in 3 communities has created a strong support network, where resources, knowledge, and strategies are shared to maximize efficiency and impact along with support from our community engagement manager.

Addressing Broader Challenges

Beyond economic empowerment, the project has also addressed pressing local challenges, including food insecurity and climate resilience. Our controlled Seaweed cultivation system provides a nutrient-rich, sustainable food source that can withstand heavy rainfall and storms, ensuring consistent access to food in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the project contributes to preserving marine ecosystems by promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.

Building Momentum for the Future

Looking back over the past 11 months, the Seaweed Social Business initiative has transformed from a pilot project into a beacon of hope for women in Southern Thailand. By empowering women to break societal barriers and achieve economic independence, the program has fostered long-term resilience in these communities. The collaboration with our esteem partners Kasetsart University, Prince of Songkla University Pattani Campus, the Scottish Association For Marine Science and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has further strengthened the initiative's impact, ensuring that participants have access to cutting-edge knowledge and global market insights. We truly appreciate all opportunities to share about our Seaweed Social Business project in events, universities and media in Thailand and globally.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

As the project enters 2025, Yunus Thailand remains steadfast in its commitment to scaling these efforts. Plans are underway to expand advocacy programs, broaden market access, innovate seaweed product development, and foster deeper collaboration within the initiative. This growth is set to multiply the positive impact of the program, empowering not just 3 communities but entire communities across Satun. With a visionary goal of establishing a Seaweed Hub in Satun, this initiative aims to transform the region into a thriving center for sustainable seaweed farming, social entrepreneurship, and community development.

Empowering women through seaweed farming is more than a local success story—it is a testament to the transformative power of targeted, sustainable initiatives. By addressing poverty, food insecurity, and climate challenges, the Seaweed Social Business project stands as a model for how social business is an innovative solution that can create lasting, positive change.

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