The Kee Farms Foundation, spearheaded by Nicholas Kee, tackles climate change via seaweed farming, having secured $500,000 in funding and forged global partnerships. Kee’s pending patent for seaweed-based activated carbon showcases his innovative approach to climate solutions.
Manhattan, New York, November 30, 2024 – This year is on track to be the warmest on record, characterized by severe flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat. While global leaders debate solutions, the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, have left many developing nations unsatisfied, with climate finance commitments falling short of urgent needs. Amidst this global inaction, one entrepreneur is taking significant action to address the climate crisis.
Nicholas Kee, a remarkable innovator under 30 from Jamaica, is pioneering a new approach to climate advocacy through the Kee Farms Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on combating climate change using regenerative seaweed farming. Kee’s initiatives demonstrate how communities can directly mitigate climate impacts while fostering sustainable economic growth.
Although COP29’s agreement to provide $300 billion annually in climate finance by 2035 significantly lags behind the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations, the Kee Farms Foundation is already delivering tangible solutions. By leveraging the blue economy, Kee cultivates seaweed which absorbs up to twenty times more carbon per acre than trees, offering an innovative method for carbon sequestration while restoring ocean biodiversity.
“Climate change transcends borders, and so should our solutions,” Kee stated. “Regenerative seaweed farming offers a path to restoring marine ecosystems and empowering communities concurrently.”
Beyond carbon sequestration, the Foundation is exploring seaweed’s application in producing biochar, activated carbon, and biodegradable materials. With a patent pending for seaweed-derived activated carbon, the Kee Farms Foundation is poised to enter a market predicted to reach $8.9 billion by 2026.
“Our work demonstrates the synergy between environmental sustainability and economic opportunity,” Kee explained. “We’re reversing the trend of climate change while creating new markets and jobs.”
The Kee Farms Foundation has trained over 50 Jamaican fisherfolk as seaweed farmers, aiming to reach 1,000 by 2030. This not only reduces overfishing but also provides sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities most vulnerable to climate change.
Despite regulatory and funding challenges, the Kee Farms Foundation has successfully secured over $500,000 in funding through support and partnerships with global organizations like UNICEF, UNDP, the Sandals Foundation, and the World Bank. Further support from climate-focused organizations, including The Earthshot Prize and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, has enhanced the Foundation’s international recognition and broadened its reach.
The Kee Farms Foundation plans to expand its operations beyond Jamaica, with initiatives planned for Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. This ambitious expansion is fueled by ongoing collaborations with regional governments, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to develop customized and effective solutions for each region.
About Kee Farms Foundation
Kee Farms Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Brooklyn, NY, dedicated to fighting climate change through regenerative ocean and land agriculture. Founded in early 2024 by Nicholas Kee, the Foundation focuses on seaweed cultivation, ocean habitat restoration, and community empowerment. By harnessing the blue economy, the Kee Farms Foundation aims to restore ocean biodiversity, sequester carbon, and create sustainable livelihoods.
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Source :Kee Farms Foundation