Coast4C’s mission is to build resilient blue economies in marginalized coastal areas that benefit the 4 C's (Communities, Commerce, conservation, & climate) by building Asia’s leading regenerative seaweed social enterprise.
Over 85% of global eucheumatoids (red seaweed supplying the global carrageenan market) are produced by small-scale farmers in the Philippines and Indonesia within the ecologically important Coral Triangle. Coast 4C provides technical assistance and services to small-scale producers to sustainably increase seaweed production levels, minimize coral reef damage and marine plastic pollution, and ensure that seaweed farming contributes to ocean health. They also aid in the regeneration of habitat and fish stocks by incorporating seaweed into community-based Marine Protected Areas (iMPAs) and are piloting blue carbon from mangrove protection and restoration as an additional revenue stream for communities. Coast4C’s work allows small-scale seaweed aquaculture to deliver significant social and ecological benefits.
In December 2021, Super Typhoon Rai (locally known as Odette) devastated the Philippines. Odette is the strongest typhoon on record to have hit the Bohol region, where Coast4C’s operations are based. Bohol experienced 270kph winds and 3-4m storm surges, which destroyed local infrastructure – including seaweed farms and processing facilities.
Coast4C’s work is now more critical than ever in terms of providing sustainable and equitable livelihoods to coastal communities. With CIV’s support, Coast 4C can be a catalyst for rapid and effective rebuilding of a vibrant blue economy in the Bohol region.
