PROJECTS
Kelp forests cover five times more ocean area than coral reefs, but are declining due to anthropogenic forces, twice as fast as coral reefs. The causes of these declines are both local – like overfishing, and ecosystem disruption – and global, such as climate change and resultant marine heatwaves. But, kelp forests also hold unprecedented potential for restoration success, and marine protection with rapid growth and re-establishment rates. This is an opportunity that has been largely overlooked, and which we are ideally posed to address.
Currently, Forests of the Sea operates in three countries around the world, and is working to further expand its regional impact work for kelp forest protection.
"The name of the Seas of Good Hope Project is meant to inspire hope that humanity will learn from mother nature's ingenuity, revel in her beauty and diversity, and strengthen our collective efforts to rewild, safeguard, and preserve South Africa's marine heritage for generations to come.”
DR TODD CAPSON & LOYISO DUNGA
Seas of Good Hope Initiative
FORESTS OF THE SEA / SOUTH AFRICA
Protecting the Great African Seaforest
The Great African Seaforest fringing the coastline of South Africa is uniquely positioned as a kelp forest ecosystem which, contrary to the global decline trends of kelp forests, is in fact expanding. This means that these forests are likely to serve as a genetic repository to replenish kelp forests worldwide. The Great African Seaforest also has a significant link to humanity’s prehistoric culture, nurturing the rise of modern humans over 150,000 years ago.
Forests of the Sea South Africa is working to support the protection of the Great African Seaforest.
"WE ARE NOW LIVING ON A BLUE PLANET THAT REFLECTS JUST ONE-TENTH OF THE NATURAL ABUNDANCE IT ONCE HAD. THE SEA FORESTS AT THE END OF THE WORLD ARE ONE OF THE LEAST DISTURBED MARINE ECOSYSTEMS ON EARTH.
WE BELIEVE THAT THEY PROVIDE US WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP US REMEMBER WHAT THIS PLANET ONCE WAS, INSPIRING ACTIONS THAT PROMOTE A COMMON FUTURE FOR ALL FORMS OF LIFE.”
MAIA GUTIERREZ AND MARTINA SASSO
The Seaforests at the End of the World Project
FORESTS OF THE SEA / ARGENTINA
The Sea Forests at the End of the World Project – Protecting the kelp forests of Tierra Del Fuego and Santa Cruz
The Argentine coast is home to approximately 10,000 hectares (ha) of kelp forests with the southernmost kelp forests in Patagonia being one of the least disturbed coastal marine ecosystems on Earth. Protecting these kelp forests will mean protecting one of the last, truly wild places on earth — a refuge for global kelp ecosystems.
“The goal of simply protecting parcels of sea is not enough – we need to rewild the ocean as well as our hearts.” The Sea Forests at the End of the World is a project supported by Forests of the Sea to protect nearly 3,000 km of the kelp forest ecosystem and coastline in Argentinian Patagonia. By establishing a marine corridor and expanding existing marine protected areas, the connectivity, biodiversity and ecosystem processes of these seaforests at the end of the world will be protected for generations to come.
“OUR MISSION AT ROMPIENTES IS TO PRESERVE THE CULTURAL AND ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF CHILE’S MARINE ECOSYSTEMS. THE PIEDRA DEL VIENTO MARINE SANCTUARY IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF THE STEPS WE’RE TAKING TO MAINTAIN THE SOUL OF CHILE’S COASTLINE.
WE SEEK TO SHOWCASE THE VALUE OF ITS NATURE, ITS PERFECT WAVES AND THE INHABITANTS OF THE AREA – THE ALGAE FARMERS WHO HAVE PROTECTED THE KELP FORESTS AND THE LIFE OF THIS REGION FOR MORE THAN 300 YEARS THROUGH THEIR TRADITIONAL PRACTICES.”
JUAN BUTTAZZONI, FELIPE RODRIGUEZ, RODRIGO FARIAS MORENO
Co-Founders of Rompientes
FORESTS OF THE SEA / CHILE
Rompientes – Protecting the kelp forests of Piedra del Viento
Chile – the longest coastline in the world – is also where the most extensive kelp forest can be found. Given its expanse, it is no surprise that kelp forests play a significant cultural role for the people of Chile. On the central coast, Piedra del Viento – a coastal marine sanctuary – is home to some of the most perfect waves, a highly productive kelp ecosystem and a local community that has depended on the sustainable harvest of kelp for over 300 years.
Rompientes’ work to protect the surf, kelp and traditional knowledge, is paving the way for innovative marine protection programs that bring together the best of the people and the politicians. Forests of the Sea looks to support the ongoing work of Rompientes and the local community to set up a monitoring programme which will ensure the long-term protection of this unique ecosystem.