The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with  EXPORTBelize, a unit of the Belize Trade and Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE) held a Seaweed Cultivation Training from March 3^rd – March 5^th in Little Water Caye; which provided both a theory session along with hands on experience to fishermen in seaweed farming and cultivation. This initiative was one of many activities under a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed in November 2016. A key objective of this MOC is to support fisheries diversification through the development of a sustainable seaweed industry in Belize.

This three day training was facilitated by Placencia Producers Cooperative Society Limited, whose members have previously received intensive training and certification in seaweed cultivation. Ten participants from four fishing cooperatives along with a representative from EXPORTBelize and TNC were trained and received certificates.  The participants included representatives from Toledo Fishermen Association, Sarteneja Fishermen Association, Wabaffu Fishermen Association and Turneffe Seaweed Farmers. The training included seaweed cultivation techniques, farm building and designing, harvesting techniques and the drying process.

For more information on The Nature Conservancy visit  The Nature Conservancy Belize page.