Speaker

About the speaker: 

Sivaram Kulendran is a biotechnologist and agribusiness professional with over 15 years of experience in export development, aquaculture innovation, and sustainable coastal livelihoods. A pioneer of commercial seaweed farming in Sri Lanka & Maldives, he has implemented numerous seaweed projects in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, international NGOs, and private partners. Sivaram has represented Sri Lanka at global seaweed forums, including the. Sea Agriculture, International Seaweed Symposium (ISS), Indian Seaweed Conference and GlobalSeaweedSTAR initiatives, and has received multiple awards for innovation and sustainability in agriculture. He currently serves as an independent consultant advancing Sri Lanka’s seaweed sector and blue bioeconomy.

Company info:

An independent consultancy dedicated to developing Sri Lanka’s emerging seaweed industry. The consultancy supports local producers, processors, and exporters in establishing sustainable aquaculture systems, improving quality and traceability, and enhancing competitiveness in international markets.

Presentation:

This Presentation presents a comprehensive case study of the emerging seaweed cultivation and processing sector in Sri Lanka & Maldives. It traces the evolution of seaweed farming from pilot initiatives in the early 2010s to its present role in livelihood diversification and sustainable coastal development. Drawing on field experience and scientific research, particularly the cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii, the chapter outlines ecological requirements, cultivation techniques, value-chain development, and challenges such as seed supply constraints and climate variability. It also discusses recent scientific advances that support optimization of cultivation and harvesting strategies and identifies the potential for Sri Lanka & Maldives to become a leading regional player in sustainable seaweed-based industries.