Regenerative Seaweed Farm Launch

On 14 November 2025, Ocean Community joined the Cultivating Hope Summit as part of the launch of Portugal's first Regenerative Seaweed Farm in Nazare. This event marks the end of a three-year planning phase and the transition into a new chapter - taking the seaweed to where it belongs: off shore and into the ocean.

In the small fishing town of Nazare, best known for its towering waves, the surfing community came together with scientists and fishermen to present solutions to protect and restore the coastal ecosystem, while providing sustainable materials and food. This pioneering model is the first of its kind in Portugal, blending nature-based solutions with local economic opportunities.

The Cultivating Hope Summit

The Cultivating Hope Summit, organized by Hope Zones Foundation (HZF) and its founder João Macedo, who is a well-known big-wave surfer, marked the start of the event which was filled with ocean enthusiasts from all across Europe. The HZF-team had gathered policy makers, marine scientists, blue economy investors and locals to explore various relationships with the ocean through regenerative seaweed farming. A series of panels gave the presenters an opportunity to introduce their organisations, research, projects, and ideas related to Blue Economy and regenerative seaweed farming.

“A celebration of innovation and a strategic planning platform for scaling ocean restoration across the Atlantic”

Hope Zones Foundation

Four panels we felt most inspired by:

• Regenerative seaweed planting and reforestation: National and international case studies, including successful kelp restoration efforts.

  
  

• The multi-use potential of seaweed: Exploring how seaweed can be utilized for bio-stimulants, fertilizers, and many more application areas.

  
  

• Education and outreach: Highlighting the importance of teaching future generations about ocean conservation and sustainable practices.

  
  

• Blue finance: Discussing financial models that can sustain marine protected areas and regenerative seaweed farms, from blue carbon credits to investments in ocean conservation.

Throughout the day we had the opportunity to dive deeper and discuss international case studies of seaweed farming with Seaforester and the Kelp Forest Foundation, how to use seaweed as a resource wit Kelpinor, understand the engagement in this space from companies such as Patagonia, as well as dicuss with educators, who support teachers and school children to learn about Ocean Literacy across Portugal (Monitoramento Mirim Costeiro).

A Blueprint for the Future

The Nazaré Regenerative Seaweed Farm isn’t just a one-off project; it represents a blueprint for the future. It serves as an example of how regenerative aquaculture can be scaled and replicated to foster climate action and create sustainable economic opportunities in coastal areas. As the project progresses, it will help map out how to protect marine ecosystems while building a new foundation for a sustainable blue economy. Through this project, HZF addresses the critical issue of scaling up nature-based solutions along exposed coastlines in the context of European ocean policy. The aim is to provide practical input and data for example on carbon sequestration in high-energy marine environments, community-led restoration in traditional fishing areas and blue finance mechanisms for wave-exposed cultivation.

The initiative is building on its partnership with Biosphera Sustainable Certification, scientific and practical knowledge, creative communication through arts, featuring artists and photographers as well as events like this launch and beach clean ups, engaging all age groups from youth to adults. This interaction between science, industry, government and civil society enables informed decisions to be made and implemented for environmental management, while respecting both nature and society. Effective collaboration is necessary across disciplines to create positive impact and overcome global challenges through local actions.

Community and Environmental Impact

The project is endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, just as Ocean Community is, recognising the project as an excellent example of innovative ocean restoration solutions. By combining local knowledge, scientific research and practical stewardship, the Nazaré farm demonstrates that communities can heal the ocean and secure livelihoods for future generations when they come together with a shared vision for the future.

The Nazaré Regenerative Seaweed Farm launch and the Cultivating Hope summit are not just events; they are part of a larger movement towards healing our ocean and building a sustainable future for coastal communities. With the support of surfers, scientists, fishers, and investors, this initiative is showing the world how we can balance ecological restoration with economic opportunity. As the ocean heals, so too does the hope for a more sustainable and regenerative blue economy and thriving coastal communities.