Organized by KAUST, Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and General Authority for Fisheries of Mediterranean.. Launching International Symposium on Innovation in Algae

Ashraf AboArafe

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in cooperation with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Water and the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), hosted the International Symposium on Innovation in Algae last Monday, which brought together a group of experts. international research and industry. The one-day symposium focused on the progress made in the cultivation and marketing of micro and macroalgae, and the future potential for the development of this sector in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Algae biomass production is a fast-growing biotechnology sector. There has been a significant increase in both knowledge of the field and industries using algae derivatives. In particular, the “metabolites” obtained from algae, which include essential fatty acids and neutral lipids, are involved in a variety of commercial applications such as the food and animal feed industry, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, as well as energy such as biofuel production.

And because Saudi Arabia is surrounded by two coastlines of about 3,400 km stretching along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, it is considered one of the regions full of opportunities for innovation in algae. This makes organizing such seminars very important in raising awareness of the possibilities of algae cultivation in the Mediterranean, Black and Red Sea regions, learning about the latest developments in this field, and clarifying the important research and marketing challenges in it.

It is noteworthy that one of the main objectives of this symposium is to highlight the potential for the development of this industry in the region, to enhance communication and cooperation between relevant research institutes, and to attract investors interested in the micro and macroalgae industry in the Mediterranean basin and the Red Sea.

“KAUST innovations are evaluated based on their ability to positively impact the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and diversify the economy of Saudi Arabia,” said Mark Hall, chief operating officer of Manarat KAUST Development Company. An example of what we can do with its ability to create a new industry, create jobs for young people, reduce imports, ensure food security, and even positively influence climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

It is noteworthy that KAUST’s advisory arm, Manarat, is working with the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Water to develop long-term solutions to the Kingdom’s sustainable food needs through aquaculture projects and algae development, a strategy in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In this context, KAUST recently launched a pilot project to develop Algae cultivation at the university’s four-hectare campus research and technology park later this year.

Dr. Ali Al-Sheikhi, CEO of the National Program for the Development of the Fisheries Sector, said, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia possesses and offers the world untapped potentials and promising investment opportunities to create renewable and sustainable industries through the Algae Biotechnology Industry Project, which is supervised by the National Program for the Development of the Fisheries Sector at the Ministry of Environment.” Agriculture and water.

Al-Sheikhi added, “The project seeks, through cooperation with local and international actors, to overcome the limitations and challenges in the algae industry with the aim of transferring algae production from the experimental scale to the commercialization stage, by supporting the project’s growth, increasing the biomass of microalgae, and developing genetic engineering to improve its potential as a source of energy. future and sustainable.

As part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative, the production of micro- and macroalgae not only contributes to food security in the region, but also supports the goals of the Saudi Green and Green Middle East initiatives by increasing the sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

It is noteworthy that the commercial cultivation of micro- and macroalgae is also an integral part of the General Fisheries Authority’s 2030 Strategy. The Authority promotes algae cultivation as an accelerator for sustainable development, innovation and for preserving the marine environment and livelihoods of Mediterranean and Black Sea communities.

“As part of our work towards a blue transition for aquaculture in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, we are focusing particularly on algae cultivation, as it offers potential to enhance food security and livelihoods, and mitigate the consequences of climate change and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.