On the 17 and 18th of October, the 2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit proved to be a transformative moment for the algae sector in Europe, bringing together researchers, companies, policy makers and organisations committed to the transition to a greener economy. GreenCoLab was honoured to actively participate in this meeting, contributing to the event’s success and impact.
As part of its mission to promote the potential of algae for a more sustainable future, GreenCoLab presented several initiatives over the two days of the Conference:
- Free distribution of an illustrated children’s book, available in English and a special edition in German, to promote ocean literacy and raise awareness among younger generations about the world of algae,
- Tasting sessions promoted by the Nutrition and Food Working Group, featuring vegan white chocolate,
- “AlgaeBeer” as the welcome cocktail, “AlgaeGems” integrated into a lunch dish, and an innovative “Green Goddess Sauce” as an accompaniment.
GreenCoLab’s presence was also marked by the participation of Lais Galileu Speranza, leader of the Sustainability Working Group, in the panel “Algae for a Healthier Planet: Unveiling Nature’s Blue Ally’“. The debate also featured international experts such as Fredrik Gröndahl (KTH/Nordic SeaFarm), Maria Barbosa (Wageningen University & Research), Isabel Sousa Pinto (University of Porto) and Mari Granström (Origin by Ocean). The session was moderated by Jean-Paul Cadoret (ALGAMA Foods) and hosted by Seamus Kearney.
This moment reinforced the importance of international collaboration and the role of science in promoting algae-based solutions to address climate and environmental challenges.
During the event, GreenCoLab took the opportunity to reconnect with strategic partners from funded European projects, such as REALM algae, LOCALITY Algae, and I3-4-SEAWEED, to strengthen synergies and look ahead to future collaborations.
One of the highlights of the Summit was the official launch of the Algae Declaration, an international commitment to position algae as a strategic vector for sustainability, which four countries have already signed. In addition, a participatory session in the World Café format brought together the sector’s professional community to define priorities and actions that will impact industrial development, public awareness, and algae consumption in Europe.
GreenCoLab congratulates EU4ALGAE for organising this landmark event, led in partnership with SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth EEIG, s.Pro, sustainable projects GmbH and EurA AG, promoting scientific and technological knowledge about algae and bringing society closer to the innovative and sustainable solutions they offer.
