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Together we can restore the health of our planet
The Kelp Forest Foundation (KFF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to establishing kelp forests as a valued nature-based solution. We collaborate with coastal communities and leading scientists to holistically address gaps in scientific knowledge, protect wild spaces and increase ocean accessibility through capacity building and education programs.
We believe in a future where both people and the planet are not only surviving, but thriving. With a regenerative powerhouse like kelp forests enabling just climate solutions, we think this reimagined world is within reach. We work with scientists, coastal communities, and industry players to support the responsible expansion of kelp, both cultivated and wild. We do this through our key focus areas:
Research
Establishing research and mentorship programs with universities to improve systems that monitor and evaluate kelp forests’ ecological benefits.
Ocean Education & Skill Development
Fostering new generations of ocean stewards and scientists by facilitating ocean-focused education programs, professional development opportunities and safety courses to youth and graduate students.
Reforestation
Spearheading restoration projects across the globe that protect, restore and reforest natural kelp forests.
We drive research by collaborating with universities globally to carve out a permanent space for kelp forest studies in academia. We also sponsor master’s and PhD students to pilot key studies on kelp, allowing us to develop essential monitoring techniques and frameworks to better understand the value of marine ecosystem services.
Kelp Forest Foundation’s areas of research are directly tied to the unanswered questions surrounding the ecosystem services of kelp. These are our current research topics:
This infographic shows that we focus on the 4 most important topics, but there is still more to discover. You can help us by donating.
If you want to learn more about what kelp can do and how our areas of research address the gaps in the science and knowledge around kelp’s ecosystem services, check out our Discover page.
We shape research agendas that unlock the untapped potential of kelp. The knowledge is essential for the industry’s advancement and crucial in garnering awareness and support for the preservation of thriving kelp forests.
We forge partnerships with universities and research institutions worldwide, creating exciting research initiatives focused on different aspects of kelp.
We actively raise funds to bring these projects to life, tapping into a network of environmental partners, ocean stewards, marine scientists and other stakeholders.
We make sure everyone can access and understand the valuable knowledge we uncover. We translate complex findings into practical tools for kelp farmers, protectors, local communities, and beyond.
We can always us your help. See our vacancies to see where you could be of help to us.
We have lost 50% of global Kelp Forests, worlds most productive ecosystem, and we are still loosing it at a arate of 2% per year
Kelp Forest Foundation is building the capacity of the next generation of kelp scientists and farmers, by providing scholarships and supporting skills programme to coastal communities. Our work is focused on public awareness through conferences, webinars and thought leadership.
GRADUATE LEARNING PROGRAMME
A partnership between Kelp Blue, Stuchtey Daughters & Sons, and other supporters, this fellowship programme provides scholarships and professional and marine skills development to graduate students in Namibia and New Zealand, with a focus on recruiting women into the field. Our local MSc and PhD students are linked with external supervisors from leading universities across the globe to foster knowledge exchange and deliver climate and social impact.
Graduates of this programme enrich their local talent pools with new skillsets required for a future where nature and humanity coexist in better harmony. We hope these bright graduates of this programme further careers in government, business, entrepreneurship and academia.
The Blue House Fellowship Programme applications are currently CLOSED. Our next application cycle will begin in September 2025, but you may contact us if you have any questions.
The Blue House Programme is a partnership between Stuchtey Daughters & Sons, Kelp Blue, the Kelp Forest Foundation, and other potential supporters aimed to develop scientific and practical talent in natural ecosystems.
The program provides rolling scholarships and apprenticeships of Namibian students (with a bias towards women) and twinning them with peers from leading universities abroad. The ultimate objective is to foster knowledge exchange and deliver climate and social impact.
We currently have 6 Namibian MSc Students, 1 apprentice, and 2 rolling international interns.
Mutjida is an Master’s student focused on establishing the geochemistry baseline at the giant kelp cultivation site.
Angelique Dodds is studying the impact on algal biodiversity of cultivated giant kelp as part of her MSc programme. Her co-supervisor is Dr. Ian Hendy at University of Portsmouth.
Harnessing the power of giant kelp