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EU4Algae Online Info Session on Governance, Research, Business, and Awareness Recap: Key Insights on What Happened

On 20 September 2024, the EU4Algae Online Info Session brought together specialists and stakeholders from across the algae sector to discuss progress, challenges, and future goals in the areas of Governance, Research, Business, and Awareness.  

Published on 27 September 2024

 

 

Running from 10:00 to 13:00 (Brussels Time), the EU4Algae Online Info Session offered a dynamic platform for the exchange of ideas, showcasing the commitment to advancing the EU’s regenerative algae industry. Participants were given a comprehensive overview of the progress and accomplishments of the EU4Algae project so far, with key initiatives and developments highlighted throughout the event. 

 

The EU Algae Initiative: A Policy Framework to Boost the Algae Sector 

The EU4Algae Online Info Session dove into the EU Algae Initiative, which outlines 23 policy actions to support a regenerative algae industry across Europe. It contributes to several flagship initiatives of the EU Green Deal (e.g. restoring and preserving ecosystems, Farm to Fork, circular economy), linking various EU policies and legal initiatives. Adopted on 15 November 2022, these actions seek to:  

  • Improve the Governance Framework & Legislation: 5 actions. 
  • Support the Improvement of the Business Environment: 6 actions. 
  • Close Knowledge, Data, Technological, and Innovation Gaps: 9 actions. 
  • Increase Social Awareness and Market Acceptance of Algae and Algae-based Products: 3 actions. 

 

“There are lots of links between the different policies of the Commission, which are related to algae. The idea of the Algae Initiative is to clarify that algae can contribute to many of the initiatives that the Commission has identified. The EU Algae Initiative is a well-coordinated EU strategy to support the algae sector, and the help of Member State Authorities is important to unlock the sector’s potential. EU4Algae’s role in this is quite important given it helps us achieve this.”, mentioned Felix Leinemann, Head of Blue Economy Unit from the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE). 

 

Moreover, participants of the EU4Algae Online Info Session also took part in an interactive survey that allowed them to engage with algae industry-related questions, helping to refine priorities based on real-time feedback. 

 

EU4Algae’s Working Groups: Driving Innovation and Progress 

The facilitators of the Working Groups reviewed their contributions to the 23 actions of the EU Algae Initiative through various discussions, initiatives, and outcomes. These contributions reflect the efforts of various EU4Algae members, who collaborate in a bottom-up forum that fosters shared learning and innovation. This process has helped track the progress of the Algae Initiative’s implementation to date 

 

Additionally, catered break-out discussions further allowed experts and participants to exchange valuable insights, helping shape future initiatives. The key takeaways from these break-out discussions are: 

 

“Regarding Governance, two actions were covered in depth. Usually, when we think about the algae farmer's toolkit, we have a bias toward seaweed cultivation, but we were fortunate to have microalgae specialists join us, and we reflected on how the toolkit could also be a valuable resource for the microalgae sector. We discussed potential features for this toolkit, and a key element would be advising newcomers to understand the market potential and legal framework, enabling them to navigate the specificities of national legislation. Additionally, the toolkit should provide technical guidance on diverse techniques, species, and the intellectual property issues that come with it. For the second action, related to the standardization of quantification and extraction methods, things have advanced since the launch of the initiative. A catalogue or technical report with techniques and methods for testing ingredients and contaminants would be very useful.” — Adrien Vincent (WG1 – Macroalgae Production), Facilitator of the Governance break-out discussion. 

 

“Concerning Research, we discussed the types of European-level research needed, including the selection of seeds, addressing taxonomy issues, and the adaptation of different species to increase productivity at the innovation level. We also covered innovation opportunities, scale-up possibilities for various industries, and costs—particularly for microalgae, which is more cost-intensive, though also relevant for macroalgae—along with cultivation techniques, algae funding, and the pricing of algae-based products. Automation was another key topic, aimed at improving efficiency, as well as monitoring and identifying the benefits for both cultivation and the environment.” — Efthalia Arvaniti/Gabriel Acien (WG5 – Ecosystem Services & Bioremediation), Facilitator of the Research break-out discussion. 

 

“As for Business, the discussion revolved around algae commercialisation in Europe, focusing on understanding industry needs and ensuring consistency in standards, quality, and pricing. We linked this to the benefits of algae and their potential positive impact on the environment. Among other topics discussed during the session, we collectively agreed that the most pressing question to address moving forward is how to effectively reach and understand the markets that can incorporate algae.” — Juliette Armeni/Jean-Paul Cadoret (WG2 – Microalgae Production), Facilitator of the Business break-out discussion. 

 

“In terms of Awareness, we agreed that the level of awareness among European consumers is insufficient; apart from the EU4Algae platform, it has been challenging to identify other ongoing initiatives. While algae awareness is gaining traction in Atlantic and Nordic countries, it remains limited in the Mediterranean region. Regarding market demand, the food and health sectors appear to be the most promising for attracting consumer interest—not necessarily focusing on the environmental benefits of algae, but rather on the health benefits, such as those related to cosmetics and food. To enhance public awareness and acceptance, universities and schools could play a significant role by offering dedicated specialised courses.” — Frederick Bruce/Arianna Rizo (WG7 – Youth & Entrepreneurship), Facilitators of the Awareness break-out discussion. 

 

EU4Algae Project Achievements to Date 

Several ongoing initiatives and recent achievements were showcased, including: 

 

The EU4Algae’s Interactive Platform was also highlighted during the Online Info Session. Via this platform users can test their algae knowledge with the Quiz, share their algae-eating habits in a Survey (the first 200 respondents get a free eBook!), and play an interactive Game to discover which type of algae they are. 

 

Looking Ahead: Key Remaining Outcomes for 2024 

The EU4Algae Online Info Session also outlined several key remaining outcomes for 2024, including: 

  • Bioremediation of the potential of algae. 
  • Integrating results in existing marine water landscaping maps. 
  • Restorative ocean farming and use for offshore cultivation. 
  • Verification of high-potential algae products and possible criteria, labels, and tools (LCAs), to assess the environmental footprint of algae products and services.  
  • Assessing the social aspects related to the algae industry growth.  
  • Concise description of the most pertinent remaining research and innovation topics.  
  • Data and knowledge supporting the development of a sustainable, environmentally friendly, and safe EU algae industry. 

 

This complete overview provided valuable insights for participants seeking a clearer understanding of the project's trajectory and areas of focus moving forward. 

  

Moving Forward: Shaping the Future of the Algae Industry 

As the EU4Algae project continues its mission to establish a regenerative algae industry in Europe, the outcomes of this Online Info Session are set to shape future activities and strategies. Stakeholders now have a clearer understanding of the next steps and the areas that require further collaboration and focus. 

 

The discussions and connections made during the session are expected to significantly contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of Europe’s algae sector. 

 

Stay tuned for the upcoming Annual EU4Algae Meeting in Athens on 9 December 2024, and keep an eye on the EU4Algae Maritime Forum website for more updates on future events, activities, and opportunities. For more information, contact us at: contactateu4algae [dot] eu (contact[at]eu4algae[dot]eu).