Iani A. CHIHAIA’s Post

So important for us to support financially some of the best pionneers of this #SeaweedRevolution to ensure state of the art safety for this nascent supply chain ! An initiative funded by Lloyd's Register Foundation and led by United Nations Global Compact More to come ! Become a member.of the coalition if not already done ( https://lnkd.in/eZpmFuuj).

🌊Congratulations to our 2024 Grantees! After a highly competitive evaluation process undertaken by the GSC Scientific and Strategic Advisory Councils, the Global Seaweed Coalition Leadership Committee gathering our founding partners from UN Global Compact, CNRS and Lloyds Register Foundation made the final selection of projects to be funded under GSC’s 3rd Call for Proposals. · Yunus Thailand will propose a capacity-building approach to unlock the potential of seaweed for the empowerment of low-income coastal communities, particularly women. · Universidad de Los Lagos’s i~mar center in Chile will offer an alternative for kelp biomass utilization, long-term storage and enrichment using ensilage techniques for Macrocystis pyrifera. · ALGOLESKO in France will precisely, rigorously and innovatively measure the biodiversity impact of seaweed cultivation. The results of this study supported by the Station Biologique de Roscoff could accelerate the development of the seaweed sector. · MAVUNOLAB in Tanzania will deploy low-cost solar dryers to small-scale seaweed farmers in Dimani and Nyamanzi villages, Unguja Island leading to safer, reliable, and efficient seaweed processing in Zanzibar. · The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Samoa will place the control of aquatic food systems in the hands of local communities, through facilitating their right to define their own supply chains for local markets and home consumption and addresses the root cause of food and nutrition insecurity. · Kelp Forest Foundation in Namibia will undertake studies to assess cultivated giant kelp’s (Macrocystis sp.) potential at mitigating ocean acidification within a kelp farm and the corresponding effect on calcifying organisms that settle on Kelp Blue’s farm structures. · Ocean-Farmers in Madagascar will develop commercially viable and climate-resilient local strains of Kappaphycus sp. for community aquaculture, in collaboration with academia and the government of Madagascar. · Rézomes will develop a low-tech open-source process capable of transforming seaweed with low added value into safe and accessible organic fertilizers for farming communities in Zanzibar and Madagascar.   This third round of funding leads to a total of USD 1.5m for all projects supported by the GSC over 3 years. Selected proposals will join our portfolio of supported projects and contribute to the improvement of safety in the global seaweed sector. Project outcomes will be made publicly available to maximize global impact. Stay tuned! Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eTdmkSjH #GlobalSeaweedCoalition 🌊🌊🌊 Centre national de la recherche scientifique Station Biologique de Roscoff Lloyd's Register Foundation United Nations Global Compact Philippe Potin Vincent Doumeizel Nichola Dyer Mélanie C. Sofya Mishchenko Adrien Vincent Andrea Blanc Azzedine Badis

#Biofloc_Technology: #Sustainable Aquaculture Solution Biofloc technology (BFT) is an innovative approach in aquaculture that emphasizes water quality management through the natural conversion of organic waste into beneficial microbial biomass. Originally developed to enhance environmental and economic sustainability, BFT is now widely used to improve aquaculture production without excessive reliance on fresh water or costly feed inputs. #How_Biofloc_Technology_Works In traditional aquaculture systems, waste from fish and uneaten feed can accumulate, necessitating regular water changes to maintain quality. In biofloc systems, however, heterotrophic bacteria convert these organic wastes into biofloc particles through a controlled process of microbial growth. When a carbon source (such as molasses or sugar) is added to the water, these bacteria thrive, forming floccules or "bioflocs" composed of bacteria, algae, and organic detritus. The bioflocs, rich in protein and other nutrients, can then serve as an additional food source for fish or shrimp, reducing the need for commercial feed and lowering production costs. Moreover, biofloc systems significantly reduce water usage, making them a more environmentally friendly choice for aquaculture operations. #Advantages of Biofloc Technology 1. Nutrient Recycling: Waste products are recycled into edible biomass, reducing feed costs. 2. Improved Water Quality: Biofloc maintains water quality by stabilizing ammonia levels, minimizing the need for frequent water changes. 3. Disease Resistance: The diverse microbial community in biofloc systems enhances fish health and resilience against pathogens. 4. Sustainability: Reduced water use and feed requirements make biofloc systems more sustainable, supporting eco-friendly aquaculture. #Applications_and_Limitations BFT is commonly used in shrimp and tilapia farming, though it has potential for other species. However, the system requires careful monitoring of parameters such as carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, pH, and oxygen levels, as imbalances can lead to water quality issues or hinder microbial performance. #Biofloc_disadvantages: 1. #High Costs: Significant initial investment and high operational costs for aeration and water quality monitoring. 2. #Complex Management: Requires constant monitoring and management of water parameters, which can be labor-intensive. 3. #High Oxygen Demand: Biofloc consumes oxygen, increasing aeration needs and energy costs. 4. #Nutritional Variability: Biofloc may not meet all dietary needs for some species. 5. #Species Suitability: Not all species thrive in biofloc systems; some may experience health issues. 6. #Disease Risk: High-density stocking can lead to rapid disease transmission. 7. #Solid Accumulation: Requires regular removal of accumulated solids. 8. #Temperature Sensitivity: Optimal temperatures are necessary, which can be costly in variable climates.

BFT enhance the performance of traditional aquaculture and useful technology for many species of fish

Algae Cultivation on Coastal Barren Lands Algal cultivation in coastal barren lands offers a promising opportunity for countries like India, endowed with over 10,000 km of coastal areas. Often disregarded as unproductive, these lands hold vast potential for sustainable development, particularly through algae cultivation. Algae, being photosynthetic organisms, thrive in various environments, including saltwater. Their rapid growth and biomass production make them attractive for diverse industries. Coastal barren lands, with ample sunlight and seawater access, create optimal conditions for algae cultivation. A key advantage of algae cultivation is its contribution to food security. Algae are rich in essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals, offering a sustainable food source. Additionally, algae can be processed into animal feed, reducing reliance on traditional sources like soy and corn. Furthermore, algae cultivation can address the global energy crisis by producing oils convertible to biodiesel, a cleaner fuel alternative. This shift can reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources and alleviate the environmental impact of fossil fuels. Moreover, algae can yield various bioproducts such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and bioplastics. Algae-based bioplastics are eco-friendly and biodegradable, providing a sustainable substitute for conventional plastics. The cultivation of algae on coastal barren lands also aids in environmental restoration by absorbing nutrients from wastewater, reducing pollution, and enhancing water quality. Algae's ability to sequester carbon dioxide contributes to mitigating climate change. Successful algae cultivation requires careful selection of suitable species and the right infrastructure and technology for efficient cultivation and harvesting. By leveraging the potential of algae, we can address critical challenges like food security, energy deficits, and environmental issues, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.

📢 Publication announcement. Please join us in congratulating Yericho Berhanu 🎉, our round 4 Fellow from Ethiopia on a journal publication titled “Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from coffee agroforestry systems with different intensities of canopy closure” This joint publication is the outcome of Yericho’s CLIFF-GRADS research stay at Jimma University in Ethiopia where Yericho collaborated with Abebe Nigussie and 6 other colleagues. 📚 Quick Summary of the Publication  Agroforestry-based coffee production systems (AFs) contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration. Three canopy cover levels were identified: (i) dense shade (80 % canopy closure), (ii) medium shade (49 % canopy closure), and (iii) open-shade (full sun) production. To determine the effect of canopy cover on GHG emissions under varying soil fertility management practices, three soil fertilization strategies were included: (i) mineral fertilizer, (ii) compost, and (iii) control (i.e., without soil amendment). The results showed that Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions were two-to-three times greater when there was dense canopy cover than from open-shade production. The effect of canopy cover on N2O emission was more pronounced under the mineral fertilizer treatment. Methane (CH4) emissions were 44–64 % greater under the open-shade production system than under AFs. This study demonstrated that coffee agroforestry systems produced lower CH4, total Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, and yield-scaled GHG emissions than the open-shade production system. Although the contribution of N2O emission to the total GHG emissions is very small, dense shade closure in coffee agroforestry systems could produce higher N2O emission than open-shade production system, particularly under mineral fertilizer and/or compost treatments. Dense canopy cover increased N2O emissions by increasing nitrogen input and soil moisture content. This study provides the first evidence of the importance of considering canopy cover intensity when determining the spatial-temporal variations in GHG emissions from agroforestry systems. 📑 The article is found on this link: https://lnkd.in/edBG_8iw 📝 Suggested reference:  Yericho Berhanu, Abebe Nigussie, Abdo Aba Jifar, Milkyas Ahmed, Armaye Biresaw, Melkamu Mamuye, Amsalu Fite, Bayu Dume,Nitrous oxide and methane emissions from coffee agroforestry systems with different intensities of canopy closure,Science of The Total Environment,Volume 876,2023,162821,ISSN 0048-9697 Thank you for reading and celebrating Yericho’s achievements with us. We are proud of him and all the other CLIFF-GRADS Fellows who are making a difference in the world with their research. Please feel free to comment, share, or visit the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) website for more information about CLIFF-GRADS and our other programmes.   #Coffeeshade #CanopyCover #GreenHouseGasEmissions #Yieldscale #Emissions

At Urvara Krsi, we are proud to lead the way in sustainable agriculture with our innovative Eucalyptus clonal plantations. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice for enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and providing economic benefits to local communities. However, several myths surround Eucalyptus plantations. Let's bust some of these myths. ❌ Myth #1: Eucalyptus Drains Water Resources ✅ In reality, Eucalyptus appear to use less water per unit weight of biomass produced than other kinds of trees and many agricultural crops. But their potentially high biomass production under low rainfall conditions may reduce streamflow more than slower growing kinds of trees. The faster trees grow because of their natural or improved genetic makeup or are encouraged to grow by addition of fertilizer and use of other cultural techniques such as soil cultivation, and thus the greater the accumulating living biomass per unit area occupied, the more the water reserves of an area will be drawn down, no matter what the species. The decision has to be made on how quickly the benefits from trees are required. In many cases products such as pulpwood, poles and plywood, fuelwood are chronically short in supply, while water resources for all competing uses, including food production and consumption by humans and livestock, usually are limiting also. A balance has to be struck between growing a large biomass quickly or, alternatively, growing a lesser biomass over a much longer period of time. With plantations raised in areas of rainfall 400 mm – 1200 mm and above, proper planning and management, there is no need to exclude the eucalyptus because of their perceived high rate of water consumption. Similarly, results concerning ground water and catchment management show many inconsistencies. Reports suggest that site influences seem to be greater than species' influences. Soil water balance and height of the water table at a particular site also can be influenced by factors far away from the site because water is mobile in underground aquifers. Drawing water from shallow and deep tube wells for high water demanding crops such as paddy rice, sunflower and cotton often has a greater effect on drawing down regional water tables than plantations of fast-growing trees. But many times, the trees are blamed when the underlying cause is an expanding population which has to be fed by growing more food and provided with water for drinking and washing. Learn more 👉 www.urvarakrsi.com ----- #agriculture #agroforestry #farming #aginnovation #agtech #sustainability #environment #startups #entrepreneur #farmers #organicfarming #organicagriculture #sustainable #sustainableagriculture #agribusiness #science #research #india #agro #agritech #sustainabledevelopment #training #productivity #strategy #technology #researchanddevelopment #climatechange #forestry #biodiversity #health #innovation #startup

At Urvara Krsi, we are proud to lead the way in sustainable agriculture with our innovative Eucalyptus clonal plantations. Eucalyptus is an excellent choice for enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and providing economic benefits to local communities. However, several myths surround Eucalyptus plantations. Let's bust some of these myths. ❌ Myth #1: Eucalyptus Drains Water Resources ✅ In reality, Eucalyptus appear to use less water per unit weight of biomass produced than other kinds of trees and many agricultural crops, but their potentially high biomass production under low rainfall conditions may reduce streamflow more than slower growing kinds of trees. The faster trees grow because of their natural or improved genetic makeup or are encouraged to grow by addition of fertilizer and use of other cultural techniques such as soil cultivation, and thus the greater the accumulating living biomass per unit area occupied, the more the water reserves of an area will be drawn down, no matter what the species. The decision has to be made on how quickly the benefits from trees are required. In many cases products such as pulpwood, poles and plywood, fuelwood are chronically short in supply, while water resources for all competing uses, including food production and consumption by humans and livestock, usually are limiting also. A balance has to be struck between growing a large biomass quickly or, alternatively, growing a lesser biomass over a much longer period of time. With plantations raised in areas of rainfall 400 mm – 1200 mm and above, proper planning and management, there is no need to exclude the eucalypts because of their perceived high rate of water consumption. Similarly, results concerning ground water and catchment management show many inconsistencies. Reports suggest that site influences seem to be greater than species' influences. Soil water balance and height of the water table at a particular site also can be influenced by factors far away from the site because water is mobile in underground aquifers. Drawing water from shallow and deep tube wells for high water demanding crops such as paddy rice, sunflower and cotton often has a greater effect on drawing down regional water tables than plantations of fast-growing trees. But many times, the trees are blamed when the underlying cause is an expanding population which has to be fed by growing more food and provided with water for drinking and washing. Learn more 👉 www.urvarakrsi.com ----- #agriculture #agroforestry #farming #aginnovation #agtech #sustainability #environment #startups #entrepreneur #farmers #organicfarming #organicagriculture #sustainable #sustainableagriculture #agribusiness #science #research #india #agro #agritech #sustainabledevelopment #training #productivity #strategy #technology #researchanddevelopment #climatechange #forestry #biodiversity #health #innovation #startup