About Us
Our Story
The Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association (BWSFA) was born from the need of including women in building an equitable seaweed mariculture industry in Placencia, southern Belize.
In 2019, a handful of women working along the southern coast saw the potential for sustainable seaweed farming to create year-round livelihoods in places where opportunities were limited. At the time, mariculture in Belize was underdeveloped, under-recognized, small-scale, and dominated by men. Yet these women envisioned something bigger — an industry rooted in equity, community benefit, and environmental stewardship.
So they organized. They trained. They experimented. They built relationships. And then they formed BWSFA.
What started as a few pioneers in Placencia has grown into a national, women-led movement shaping the future of Belize’s Blue Economy.
- Why We Do This Work
For our members, seaweed is not just a commodity — it is a way forward.
- A pathway to economic independence for women, youth, and fishers
- A livelihood that remains strong in a changing climate
A regenerative ocean practice that protects the Caribbean Sea - A chance for communities to build an industry of their own
- A way to break cultural norms and open doors for women in the maritime space
At its heart, BWSFA exists because coastal families deserve stable, dignified, future-ready livelihoods, affordable nutrition — and seaweed farming provides exactly that.
How We Built Momentum
From the beginning, BWSFA has grown through community leadership, collaboration, and practical innovation.
Our early years focused on:- Learning sustainable cultivation methods
- Establishing and maintaining a submerged seaweed farm
- Training women and youth in mariculture skills
- Developing internal systems, governance, and accountability
- Building trust with government, partners, and donors
- Supporting members exploring value-added products
Those early efforts strengthened the foundation that now enables BWSFA to lead in regenerative seaweed farming across Belize.
What We’ve Achieved So Far
In just a few years, BWSFA has transformed from a grassroots idea into a respected national organization. Along the way we have:
- Grown into a community-based membership association representing women, men, and youth
- Built strong partnerships across government, NGOs, academia, private sector, and the tourism industry
- Supported members pursuing small businesses and seaweed entrepreneurship
- Trained female boat captains and strengthened local maritime skills
- Established systems for transparent production, processing, and coordination
- Gained national and regional recognition as a leader in regenerative mariculture in Belize
These milestones show what’s possible when coastal communities lead their own development.
Where We Are Going
- A stronger, more resilient organization with the systems to support a growing industry
- Expanded seaweed farming infrastructure and improved production capacity
- Research, innovation, and learning to strengthen Belize’s seaweed value chain
- Greater market access for dried seaweed and value-added products
- A supportive policy environment for Belize’s Blue Economy
- A future where women fully participate and lead in mariculture
Meet the People Behind BWSFA
Meet Our Board
COMING SOON
Meet Our Staff
COMING SOON
- Our Mission
- Our Vision
Join the Movement
Empowering women, protecting nature — the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association truly empowers women and protects marine ecosystems through sustainable farming. TNC is proud to have supported their inspiring journey.
