What Global Seaweed Coalition does

The Global Seaweed Coalition (GSC) is a non-profit global multi-stakeholder partnership established in March 2021 to oversee the safety and sustainability of the seaweed sector as it scales. Co-founded by Lloyd's Register Foundation, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and hosted by UNGC since April 2023, GSC convenes stakeholders across the full seaweed value chain — from smallholder farmers and research institutes to multinational businesses and intergovernmental organizations — with membership exceeding 2,000 entities worldwide as of April 2026. Its mandate is organized around three safety pillars: consumer safety (commonly agreed product standards), environmental safety (sustainable production and ecosystem restoration), and operational safety (worker welfare across the value chain).

GSC's "products" are coordination assets rather than commercial goods. They include a free membership and networking platform hosted on Ubuntoo; a competitive Calls for Proposals grants program that has distributed approximately €1.2 million to 24 projects across 26 countries and attracted a further €2 million in leveraged funding; the United Nations Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI) — a multi-stakeholder intergovernmental policy platform launched at UNGA 80 in September 2025 with eight member states (Belize, Brazil, Chile, France, Indonesia, Madagascar, Senegal, Republic of Korea) co-chaired by France and Madagascar; scientific webinars and workshops; and policy publications such as the EIB-commissioned "Unlocking the Potential of Europe's Seaweed and Bivalve Industries" report and a financing whitepaper co-produced with Systemiq and Planet Ocean Capital. There is no proprietary technology stack; GSC explicitly functions as a policy, advocacy, and convening organization.

Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropic grants and institutional partnerships — membership is free. Major funding sources include Lloyd's Register Foundation (initial €700,000 in 2021), Builders Vision (two-year operational grant, October 2025), and project-level support from the European Investment Bank and various UN agencies. The organization is governed by a Leadership Committee representing its three founders, supplemented by a Scientific Council and a Strategic Advisory Council, and operates through a small secretariat of approximately seven staff based in Roscoff, France, with explicit plans to expand to full staffing complement.

Name

Global Seaweed Coalition

Legal name

Global Seaweed Coalition

Website

https://safeseaweedcoalition.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Global Seaweed Coalition is a non-profit global partnership that coordinates safety and sustainability standards across the seaweed value chain, serving smallholder farmers, researchers, governments, and industry through free membership, competitive grants, and UN policy platforms such as UNGSI.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Sustainability Coalition

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Aquaculture (1125)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae) (AFAEAAAE), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)

Keywords

• Seaweed sustainability standards
• Marine aquaculture advocacy
• Blue economy partnerships
• Ocean conservation coalition
• Seaweed safety governance

Headquarters

HQ city

Roscoff

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: The Global Seaweed Coalition operates primarily through grant funding from foundations and government partners. Major funders include Lloyd's Register Foundation (founding partner and initial funder), Builders Vision (recent two-year funding grant), and various UN agencies. Funding supports coalition operations, seed funding for project grants, and organizational activities.
2. Project Seed Funding: The coalition distributes seed funding through competitive calls for proposals to support seaweed safety and sustainability projects globally. To date, approximately €1.2 million has been granted to 24 projects in 26 countries, with an additional €2 million attracted to support this work. The coalition has committed to distribute £3 million over three years through multiple funding rounds.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Global Seaweed Coalition is a non-profit global partnership that convenes and coordinates stakeholders across the seaweed sector to advance seaweed safety and sustainability. It delivers a member collaboration platform (Ubuntoo Greenhouse), a grants programme, ambassador and advocacy initiatives, scientific webinars and workshops, and reports/publications aimed at smallholder farmers, industry, researchers, governments, and intergovernmental bodies.

Product overview

The Global Seaweed Coalition is a global partnership organization (not a traditional product company) that supports the safe and sustainable development of the seaweed industry through advocacy, funding programs, and knowledge sharing. The coalition operates a membership platform via Ubuntoo, runs a competitive Call for Proposals grant program that has funded over 24 projects across 26 countries, hosts the United Nations Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI) policy platform, and provides educational resources through webinars and workshops. The organization focuses on three pillars: consumer safety, environmental safety, and operational safety across the seaweed value chain.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ubuntoo Greenhouse Member Platform Digital collaboration platform used by seaweed-sector stakeholders (smallholder farmers, industry, research institutes, governments) to engage with the coalition's programs and community.
• Call for Proposals (Grants Programme) A grant-making programme that funds eligible projects advancing seaweed safety, sustainability, and smallholder inclusion in the global seaweed value chain.
• Seaweed Ambassadors Programme Advocacy programme that mobilises ambassadors to champion seaweed safety, sustainability, and inclusion across coastal communities and the broader sector.
• Scientific Webinars and Workshops Educational webinar and workshop series that translates seaweed safety and sustainability research into actionable practice for member organisations across the value chain.
• United Nations Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI) UN-level initiative convened through the coalition that elevates seaweed safety and sustainability on the global agenda under the UN Global Compact's umbrella.
• Reports and Publications Reports and publications published through the coalition's website that consolidate research and policy positions on seaweed safety and sustainability.

Quantifiable outcome

• Seaweed sector growth from 35 million tonnes to 15x potential increase by 2050
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered major partner, key partner, supporting partner, founding government/ co-chair ungsi, founding government and founding/ core.

• Systemiqmajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Sustainability consultancy that co-developed whitepaper 'Financing Regenerative Seaweed and Aquaculture: The Investment Need and Opportunity' with GSC and Planet Ocean Capital.
• Planet Ocean Capitalmajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Ocean-focused investment firm that co-developed whitepaper on financing regenerative seaweed and bivalve aquaculture with GSC and Systemiq.
• United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD)key partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Supporting entity of UN Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI). Led recommendation for UN Task Force on Seaweed at 5th UN Ocean Forum. Co-organizes events including COP30 roundtable and UNGSI launch.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)key partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Supporting entity of UNGSI. Contributes to seaweed sector development through policy frameworks, technical guidance, and participation in UNGSI activities and events.
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)key partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Supporting entity of UNGSI. Focuses on industrial development, private sector innovation, and sustainable value chain development for seaweed sector.
• UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC)key partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Supporting entity of UNGSI. Provides ocean science expertise, coordinates research efforts, and supports marine ecosystem restoration initiatives.
• Federative Republic of Brazilmajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Joined UNGSI with strong support ahead of COP30 hosting. Represents South American engagement. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture participates in coalition events.
• Republic of Chilemajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Joined UNGSI with enthusiasm. Active participant in UNGSI launch event. Represents Latin American seaweed sector interests.
• Republic of Koreamajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Expressed interest in joining UNGSI since announcement at UNOC-3. Represents Asian market engagement beyond Indonesia.
• Republic of Fijisupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Pacific Island nation with interest in seaweed sector development. Joined expression of interest for UNGSI.
• Grenadasupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Caribbean Small Island Developing State with interest in seaweed sector. Expressed interest in UNGSI membership.
• Republic of South Africasupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025African nation expressing interest in UNGSI membership. Represents African continental seaweed development potential.
• United Republic of Tanzaniasupporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Significant seaweed producer in Africa. Active participation in UN Task Force discussions. Home to Dr. Flower Msuya, founding GSC Scientific Council member.
• Republic of Senegalmajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Member state of UNGSI. Active in African seaweed sector development. Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research has received GSC project funding.
• Belizemajor partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Member state of UNGSI. Represents Caribbean region engagement in seaweed development.
• Republic of Madagascarfounding government/ co-chair ungsiStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Founding member state of UNGSI alongside France and Indonesia. Co-chair of UNGSI. Led initiative at 3rd UN Ocean Conference. Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy serves as coalition champion.
• Republic of Francefounding government/ co-chair ungsiStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Founding member state of UNGSI. Co-chair of UNGSI alongside Madagascar. Government actively involved through Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Supported EU Algae Awareness Summit.
• Republic of Indonesiafounding governmentStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Founding member state of UNGSI. Second-largest global seaweed producer. Provides government leadership for sustainable seaweed development and UN engagement.
• Aquatic Blue Food Coalitionkey partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2025Follow-up to UN Food Systems Summit. Partnership to mobilize support for seaweed and promote blue food solutions.
• Oceanographic Institute (Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation)supporting partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2023Co-organized 1st EU Algae Awareness Summit with GSC. Provides Maison de l'Océan venue in Paris. Founded by Prince Albert I who recognized seaweed benefits over 100 years ago.
• United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)founding/ coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021One of three founding partners and current host organization of the Global Seaweed Coalition. Provides global reach through local networks and access to UN system. Co-developed the 2020 Seaweed Manifesto that laid groundwork for the coalition.
• Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)founding/ coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021One of three founding partners. Initially hosted the coalition, providing scientific foundation. Provides ongoing scientific support through research director Philippe Potin who serves as Scientific Director and Scientific Council Chair. Hosts Scientific Officer position.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): UN agency with global mandate on food and agriculture, including aquaculture policy. GSC works closely with FAO as a UNGSI supporting entity; comparable as the larger institutional context in which GSC's sectoral coordination sits.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): One of the world's largest environmental NGOs with active ocean/aquaculture programs. Comparable in operating model (membership, science-based advocacy, partnership with UN bodies, grant programs) though vastly larger scale and broader mission.
• Oceana: Large international ocean conservation advocacy organization. Comparable in mission (marine ecosystem protection via policy advocacy) and operating model (campaigns, coalition-building, government engagement), though much broader in scope than GSC's seaweed focus.
• Friends of Ocean Action: World Economic Forum-hosted coalition of ocean leaders from government, business, science, and civil society. Comparable as a high-level ocean advocacy platform, though with stronger business-elite orientation than GSC.

Direct peers

• Aquatic Blue Food Coalition: Existing GSC partner — a UN Food Systems Summit follow-up coalition mobilizing support for blue foods. Directly comparable as an intergovernmental advocacy coalition addressing the same value chain and overlapping stakeholder base.
• Marine Stewardship Council: Global non-profit standards and certification organization for sustainable fishing and seafood, including seaweed aquaculture. MSC is the closest analog to GSC's standards-setting, multi-stakeholder coalition model applied to the marine sector.
• Sustainable Ocean Alliance: Global ocean-focused coalition and accelerator convening entrepreneurs, policymakers, and scientists. Comparable as a multi-stakeholder ocean coalition with grant/incubation programs and policy advocacy, though serving a broader startup ecosystem.
• World Ocean Council: International business leadership alliance on ocean stewardship, convening industry, science, and government. Directly comparable as a cross-sector ocean coalition that develops voluntary standards and policy recommendations.

Emerging players

• Oceanographic Institute (Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation): Existing GSC partner — Monaco-based foundation promoting ocean knowledge and policy. Comparable as a marine science and policy advocacy organization convening stakeholders around ocean sustainability themes.
• GreenWave: Non-profit supporting regenerative ocean farming, including seaweed, with smallholder farmer training programs. GSC has funded GreenWave via its Calls for Proposals. Comparable as a seaweed-specific advocacy and capacity-building organization, though more operationally focused than GSC.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Safe_Seaweed
• Facebookfacebook.com/GlobalSeaweedCoalition
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/safe-seaweed-coalition
• Instagraminstagram.com/globalseaweedcoalition

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Global Seaweed Coalition