Project Overview

MGF, in collaboration with Planet Partnerships, supported the World Bank and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to assess the feasibility of developing a sustainable seaweed industry as a nature-based opportunity for economic diversification, livelihood development, food security, and climate resilience.

The study combined field and technical assessments with market and value chain analysis, financial modeling, environmental and social analysis, stakeholder engagement, and policy and institutional recommendations to identify viable species, cultivation sites, business models, and pathways to market. The findings were translated into a practical roadmap for piloting and progressively scaling sustainable seaweed production in RMI.

Our Work

• Market & Value Chain Assessment. Analyzed local, regional, and international markets for seaweed products, including demand, pricing, transport and processing costs, value chains, potential buyers, and pathways to market.
• Technical & Site Feasibility. Evaluated potential seaweed species, cultivation systems, and sites across Majuro, Ailuk, and Mili atolls in consultation with government officials and other stakeholders, considering ecological suitability, infrastructure and post-harvest requirements, accessibility, logistics, and commercial potential.
• Financial & Business Model Development. Developed financial models and cost-benefit analysis covering startup and operating costs, revenue potential, investment requirements, financing considerations, and business models for piloting and scaling a commercially viable seaweed industry.
• Pilot & Scale-Up Roadmap. Integrated technical, financial, environmental, social, institutional, and stakeholder findings into a phased implementation roadmap, including priority sites, capacity-building needs, policy actions, risk mitigation measures, and recommendations for testing and scaling seaweed production.