We’ve invested $2 million in Kelp Blue, an award-winning start up that is growing Macrocystis pyrifera, known as Giant Kelp, on a large-scale.
Kelp Blue uses offshore structures near the coast of Namibia, among other locations. Giant Kelp is a unique organism that can help lock away carbon, support the re-wilding of our oceans and create a range of jobs and products that support the local economy.
Harnessing the power of seaweed
Cultivating this large seaweed offers a pioneering nature-based solution to help tackle climate change. Research shows kelp forests can sequester carbon dioxide at rates that far exceed terrestrial forests and woodlands. These underwater forests also provide food and shelter for marine biodiversity, as well as supporting sustainable economic and livelihood development through their management, harvesting and bi-products. A wide range of bio-products can be produced from the kelp, including biostimulants for crop growth, medicines and alternative sustainable textiles.
Increasing our understanding of untapped potential
In the short time since we have been involved, huge progress has been achieved. Research into this novel, nature-based solution has continued to accelerate our understanding of its potential. Kelp forests are now successfully growing at scale off the coast of Namibia, and their canopies are already being harvested for a range of purposes.
Our investment isn’t only financial – we sit on the board of Kelp Blue and we have also supported two MSc student scientists who are conducting important research for the programme.
“De Beers’ early investment in our offshore pilot – a world first in terms of scale and ambition – specifically helps us accelerate the quantification and verification of the carbon sequestration pathways, which is essential for the whole seaweed industry in terms of scientifically establishing the potential of this novel nature-based solution.”
Founder and CEO of Kelp Blue
Our support for this programme is part of our Building Forever commitment to climate action. While our primary focus is to actively reduce our emissions through energy efficiency and fossil fuel replacement programmes, we also believe that the future potential carbon credits generated through Kelp Blue could help offset remaining hard-to-reduce emissions from our operations.