Cape Verde Women Turn Seaweed Menace into Fertilizer

Seaweed Invasion on Cape Verde Coasts

• 🌊 Cape Verde's coastlines have seen a significant increase in seaweed, turning once turquoise waters red due to warming temperatures.
• 🎣 The excessive seaweed growth is detrimental to marine life, with local communities reporting that it can kill fish.

Community Action and Beach Cleaning

• 🧹 Local women are actively collecting seaweed directly from the water and drying it on the beach.
• 👃 The accumulation of seaweed on beaches creates unpleasant odors that affect residents, prompting regular cleaning efforts.

Developing Seaweed-Based Fertilizer

• ♻️ Collected seaweed is transported to villages, where it is separated from trash and treated to remove arsenic.
• 🧪 Supported by the University of York, women in Moyaoya are developing a recipe for natural fertilizer from the processed seaweed.
• 🌱 The fertilizer is currently being tested on local crops, with potential benefits for ecological agriculture across Cape Verde.

Future Prospects and Goals

• 📈 The women of Moyaoya aim to expand their seaweed fertilizer production.
• ✨ Their ultimate goal is to restore the beauty of their beaches and create a sustainable resource for the community and the country.