SOS Biotech

The specific problem that the Harvesting Hope from the Sea project from SOS Carbon addresses is the hazardous impact of sargassum invasions on coastal communities and ecosystems in the Caribbean. Sargassum, a type of macroalgae, has proliferated exponentially in recent years, driven primarily by climate change-induced factors such as rising ocean temperatures, increased CO2 levels, chemical spills and changes in ocean currents. This proliferation has led to a series of interconnected crises, including environmental degradation, economic losses, and public health hazards, posing significant challenges to the region's sustainability and resilience.

The scale of the problem is staggering, both locally and globally. In the communities where SOS Carbon operates, including the Dominican Republic, Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, the impact of sargassum invasions is acutely felt. Coastal ecosystems, once teeming with biodiversity, are now overwhelmed by vast mats of sargassum, suffocating marine life and disrupting delicate ecological balances. The tourism industry, a vital source of income for many Caribbean nations, has been severely affected, with beaches and coastal areas rendered unattractive and dangerous by the accumulation of rotting sargassum.

Globally, the sargassum crisis extends beyond the Caribbean, with coastal regions in West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and Brazil experiencing similar challenges. The proliferation of sargassum represents a transnational issue with far-reaching implications worldwide. Over 20 million tons of sargassum were reported in 2023. 

The human toll of the sargassum crisis is substantial, affecting millions of people who rely on coastal resources for their livelihoods and sustenance. In the Caribbean alone, up to 40 million people are estimated to be at risk from the impacts of sargassum invasions, including fisherfolk, farmers, tourism workers, and coastal residents. Specifically, contamination of coastal waters with sargassum-rotting released toxic gases pose significant threats for the coastal communities. 

Several factors contribute to the severity of the problem and are also added crisis to the region and the world.

1. Climate Change: The root cause of the sargassum proliferation lies in climate change-induced alterations to oceanic conditions, including increased sea surface temperatures, changes in ocean currents, elevated CO2 levels or chemical spills (mainly from agriculture). These environmental changes create ideal conditions for sargassum growth and propagation, exacerbating the crisis.

2. Agriculture: The agricultural crisis, driven by economic challenges and environmental degradation, involves pollution from inorganic fertilizers and contributes significantly to CO2 emissions and ocean damage. Intensive farming practices exacerbate these issues, emphasizing the urgency for sustainable solutions to mitigate environmental impact while ensuring global food security.

3. Economic Vulnerability: Coastal communities dependent on tourism and fisheries are particularly vulnerable to the economic impacts of sargassum invasions. Loss of revenue, unemployment, and diminished opportunities for livelihoods compound existing socio-economic challenges, exacerbating poverty and inequality in affected areas.

By transforming sargassum from a crisis into an opportunity for sustainable development, we are harvesting hope from the sea. Addressing therefore the multifaceted challenges posed by sargassum invasions using the principles of blue biotech and bioeconomy, offering a solution that combines scientific innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. 

At its core, the SOS Initiative comprises four interrelated components: collection, processing, product development and dissemination. First and foremost, we have developed a robust collection system, known as the LCM (Littoral Collection Module), which harnesses the expertise of local fishermen to harvest sargassum from affected coastal areas. The LCM utilizes specially designed equipment and vessels to efficiently gather sargassum mats, ensuring minimal disruption to marine ecosystems while maximizing collection yields (up to 60 metric tons per system per day).

Once harvested, the sargassum undergoes a series of processing steps to extract valuable compounds and nutrients. Through advanced sustainable biotechnological processes, we extract bioactive compounds and organic matter from the sargassum biomass (polyphenols, polysaccharides, proteins...), preserving its intrinsic value while minimizing environmental impact. Our state-of-the-art processing facilities employ cutting-edge technologies to ensure the efficient conversion of sargassum into high-value products with diverse applications.

One of the key technological innovations driving the SOS Initiative is the development of biostimulants derived from sargassum biomass. These biostimulants are organic formulations enriched with bioactive compounds, micronutrients, and growth-promoting substances, which enhance plant growth, improve nutrient uptake, and boost crop resilience. By harnessing the natural properties of sargassum, we offer farmers a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers, reducing reliance on syntenic inputs and mitigating environmental pollution.

Moreover, the project employs a systematic approach to explore other industrial applications stemming from Sargassum, including plastics, cosmetics, and food products. By bridging academia and industry, we aspire to foster a sustainable partnership, establishing a new blue bioeconomy industry in the Caribbean. Our endeavor aims to address the sargassum issue, generate ecosystem value, and uphold scientific rigor to ensure product quality and societal benefit.

In tandem with our technological innovations and sustainable practices, the initiative places a strong emphasis on ocean literacy and information dissemination as integral components of our project. By fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the interconnectedness of human activities with ocean health, we empower coastal communities to become active participants in conservation efforts and advocates for change. In the Dominican Republic and across the Caribbean, there exists a pervasive cultural phenomenon where many individuals have "grown up with their backs to the sea". Unaware of the immense treasures harbored within its waters and along its coasts, communities often lack the knowledge and understanding needed to both protect and harness the potential of these marine ecosystems. By fostering a sense of connection and stewardship towards the ocean, we aim to inspire a new generation of ocean ambassadors committed to safeguarding our planet's most precious resource.

This SOS Initiative operates at the intersection of science, technology, and community engagement, fostering partnerships and collaboration across sectors to maximize impact. 

By harnessing the untapped potential of sargassum, we not only mitigate the adverse effects of sargassum invasions but also create new opportunities for sustainable development and innovation. Our solution embodies the principles of resilience, resourcefulness, and regeneration, paving the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future for coastal communities and marine ecosystems alike.

The Harvesting Hope from the Sea initiative serves a diverse range of stakeholders across coastal communities in the Caribbean, including fishermen, farmers, tourism sector and coastal residents, whose lives are directly impacted by the proliferation of sargassum and the associated environmental, economic, and health challenges. 

Among the primary beneficiaries of our initiative are coastal fishermen, whose traditional fishing grounds and livelihoods have been adversely affected by the influx of sargassum. For these individuals, the SOS Initiative offers a lifeline, providing sustainable employment opportunities through the collection and processing of sargassum biomass. By engaging local fishermen as key stakeholders in the sargassum management process, we empower them to actively participate in conservation efforts while securing a stable source of income for themselves and their families. Transforming them into blue activist and workers. 

Furthermore, farmers can be benefited significantly from the adoption of sargassum-derived biostimulants. Farmers are facing significant challenges related to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and water scarcity, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. SOS Carbon Biostimulant (OceanSustain) addresses these challenges by providing farmers with access to nutrient-rich biostimulants derived from sargassum, which enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and promote resilience to environmental stressors. By reducing reliance on synthetic-inorganic fertilizers and promoting sustainable farming practices, we empower farmers to cultivate healthier, more productive crops while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health.

Tourist, coastal tourism workers and hospitality industry professionals also stand to benefit from our initiative, as the presence of sargassum along coastal shorelines has led to significant declines in tourism revenue and visitor satisfaction. By mitigating the visual and olfactory impacts of sargassum through timely collection and management efforts, the SOS initiative helps to restore the aesthetic appeal of coastal destinations, enhancing visitor experiences and bolstering local economies. 

In addition to economic opportunities, this initiative seeks to improve the overall quality of life for coastal communities by addressing pressing environmental and public health concerns associated with sargassum invasions. The decomposition of sargassum releases toxic gases and compounds (CO2, methane, and hydrogen sulfide), posing serious health risks to coastal residents and exacerbating respiratory diseases, pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, and other health issues. By preventing the decomposition of sargassum and mitigating the release of harmful gases, we aim to help to safeguard public health and well-being, creating safer and healthier environments for coastal communities to thrive.

Overall, "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" aims to meaningfully improve the lives of coastal residents and stakeholders by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhancing environmental resilience, fostering community empowerment and strengthen the R&D in the Caribbean. Additionally, the initiative strives to create a thriving environment for the ocean, ensuring its safety and protection. By nurturing a symbiotic relationship between oceans and humanity, "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" embodies a win-win scenario where both the oceans and human communities can flourish together.  

Our team at SOS Carbon is uniquely positioned to deliver the "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" initiative to the target population in the Caribbean due to our deep-rooted connections and proximity to the communities we serve.

As some examples, the founder of SOS Carbon, Andrés, hails from the Dominican Republic and has witnessed firsthand the challenges his country and people face on a daily basis. Chris and Nico, who are also Dominican, work closely daily with fishermen harvesting sargassum, who are integral to the initiative. These fishermen, residents of vulnerable coastal communities, are not just participants but active members of our team, contributing their insights and experiences to our efforts. Once trained, some of them even become instructors and capacitors for new fishermen, thus ensuring the sustainability and expansion of our impact within their communities.

Moreover, as part of the R&D activities, I personally engage with local agriculturists to understand their needs, conduct field tests on their crops, and amplify their voices within our project. Our team is dedicated to capacity-building within the local communities, training fishermen to become blue workers and empowering them to lead within their communities. Furthermore, at our R&D department we collaborate with university interns from the Caribbean, who possess a deep understanding of the region's crises and are uniquely positioned to drive change.

Additionally, Analie, our Community Manager, spearheads the dissemination of our solution's impact through social media and other channels, ensuring locals are informed and engaged. Her efforts are instrumental in raising awareness and fostering community involvement in addressing environmental challenges.

Our approach is guided by a commitment to community engagement, ensuring that the design and implementation of the iniciative is meaningfully informed by the needs, ideas, and agendas of the communities we serve. By fostering trust, building partnerships, and prioritizing community voices, we strive to co-create sustainable solutions that empower coastal communities, enhance resilience, and catalyze positive change for generations to come. 

While SOS Carbon is in a Growth Stage, since our LCM systems are currently deployed in the Dominican Republic, Antigua & Barbuda, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, partnering with esteemed organizations such as Newlab, Invest Puerto Rico, ITM group, Club Med, and Grupo Punta Cana underscores the credibility and scalability of our solution, the "Harvest Hope from the Sea" initiative is currently in its pilot stage. 

Our sargassum biostimulant, OceanSustain, is undergoing pilots with local farmers in the Dominican Republic, targeting crops like plantain, tomato, and rice. Furthermore, a field test in Colombia is slated for this year, signifying a pivotal step in our pursuit of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Through SOS Carbon training programs, we have successfully trained over 80 fishermen in safe and sustainable sargassum harvesting techniques, providing them with valuable skills and livelihood opportunities. Furthermore, trough the R&D department and as a part of the "Harvest Hope from the Sea" incitive we have collaborated with over 10 national and international university students in R&D projects. Aiming to increase our commitment to knowledge exchange, innovation, and youth empowerment.

The impact of our efforts extends beyond economic and environmental realms to include social and cultural dimensions. By harvesting over 9,000 metric tons of sargassum, we have alleviated the burden on coastal communities and tourism sectors affected by sargassum inundations, restoring the natural beauty and vitality of coastal areas.

Furthermore, our R&D initiative persists in studying and developing new sargassum-derived products, spanning cosmetics, bioplastics, and animal feed. We collaborate with various organizations and entities to expand our research horizons and accelerate the creation of sustainable solutions derived from Sargassum.

We are applying to Solve because we recognize the immense value and necessity of collaboration and partnership in advancing our mission to address the sargassum crisis and promote sustainable development in the Caribbean. Solve's platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded organizations, experts, and innovators who share our commitment to tackling pressing global challenges through innovative solutions.

While our initiative has made significant strides in addressing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of sargassum invasions and unsustainable agriculture, we acknowledge that there are still barriers and challenges that we must overcome to realize our vision of a sustainable and resilient Caribbean region. Specifically, we hope Solve can help us navigate and address the following barriers:

1. Technical Expertise: As we continue to refine and optimize our sargassum processing and product development processes, we recognize the importance of accessing specialized technical expertise and resources. Solve's network can connect us with experts in environmental science, sustainable agriculture and sustainable product development, who can offer valuable insights and guidance to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our initiatives.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly across multiple countries and jurisdictions, presents significant challenges for our initiative. Solve's network can help us access legal expertise and guidance to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and environmental standards, enabling us to operate ethically and responsibly.

3. Cultural and Social Considerations: Recognizing the diverse cultural landscapes and social dynamics within the Caribbean region, it is essential for us to engage with local communities and foster inclusive decision-making processes. Solve can facilitate meaningful partnerships and collaborations to ensure that our initiatives are culturally sensitive, socially equitable, and locally relevant.

4. Market Access and Partnerships: Building strategic partnerships and accessing new markets (cosmetics, bioplastics, animal feed, etc.) are key drivers of our long-term sustainability and growth. Solve's extensive network can help us forge valuable collaborations, explore new market opportunities, and amplify our impact on a global scale.

In summary, while funding is crucial for scaling up our solution, our primary aim with Solve is to harness its network and resources to overcome various barriers and challenges hindering our mission. Specifically, we seek to utilize Solve as a platform to raise awareness about the sargassum crisis and the opportunities it presents. Our goal is to demonstrate that with proper management, climate crisis can be transformed into valuable opportunities and sustainable value chains.

Our solution leverages cutting-edge technology, community engagement, and sustainable business models to transform a crisis into an opportunity for positive change.

One key aspect of our innovation lies in our approach to sargassum collection and management. Unlike other methods, which often involve costly and environmentally damaging cleanup efforts, our solution harnesses the expertise of local fishermen and coastal communities to sustainably harvest sargassum using specially designed collection systems and local vessels. By actively involving fishermen in the collection process, we not only provide them with alternative livelihood opportunities but also empower them to play a central role in environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.

Moreover, our innovative processing techniques enable us to extract valuable compounds and nutrients from sargassum biomass, transforming it into a range of high-value products with diverse applications. Our main product, OceanSustain biostimulant offers farmers an organic alternative to conventional fertilizers. By harnessing the regenerative power of sargassum, OceanSustain enhances soil fertility, improves crop yields, and promotes resilience to environmental stressors, thereby contributing to food security, soil health, and climate resilience in agricultural systems.

Another innovative aspect of our solution lies on integrating the scientific-academic and industrial fields. Establishing from the start laboratory protocols for scaling-up and ensuring process sustainability and maximum optimization.  Thanks to this, it is ensured that the products obtained have the quality and the expected benefits, due to the research bases behind.

Furthermore, our solution has the potential to catalyze broader positive impacts across various sectors and stakeholders in the Caribbean region and beyond. By demonstrating the economic viability and environmental benefits of sustainable sargassum management, we inspire others in the space to adopt similar approaches, spurring innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing within the marine conservation and blue economy sectors. Our solution has the power to change the market landscape by shifting perceptions of sargassum from a nuisance to a valuable resource, thereby creating new market opportunities, driving market demand for sustainable products, and incentivizing investments in blue technologies and circular economy models.

In conclusion, our solution represents a paradigm shift in how we perceive and address residues and environmental challenges, offering an integrated approach that combines technology, community engagement, and R&D. By harnessing the power of innovation, collaboration, and collective action, we strive to catalyze positive change, transform the market landscape, and create a more sustainable and resilient future for coastal communities and marine ecosystems worldwide. 

First and foremost, our activities focus on sustainable sargassum harvesting, processing, and product development under the banner of "Harvesting Hope from the Sea." By engaging local fishermen and coastal communities in the collection process, we immediately generate employment opportunities and income for these vulnerable populations, instilling a sense of hope and empowerment within these communities.

As we process the collected sargassum into high-value products such as biostimulants, we generate immediate outputs that contribute to environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience. These products provide farmers with sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, thereby reducing environmental pollution and soil degradation. The immediate output of our processing activities is the production of sustainable agricultural inputs.

In the longer term, we expect these immediate outputs to translate into broader outcomes for our target population. By promoting the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and reducing reliance on inorganic fertilizers, "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" contributes to long-term improvements in soil health, water quality, and ecosystem resilience. This leads to increased agricultural productivity, food security, and economic stability for farming communities in the Caribbean.

Furthermore, by mitigating the environmental and economic impacts of sargassum invasions, this iniciative helps to safeguard the health and well-being of coastal communities and tourism sectors. Reduced exposure to harmful gases and toxins released by decomposing sargassum translates into improved public health outcomes, including lower rates of respiratory diseases and pregnancy complications. Additionally, the removal of sargassum from coastal areas restores the aesthetic appeal of beaches and shorelines, thereby enhancing the tourism experience and supporting local economies.

Our theory of change, embodied in "Harvesting Hope from the Sea," is reinforced by the fishermen's satisfaction and their continued interest in working with us and supporting our indicatives. Also, the project's growth can be seen in the increasing number of farmers eager to try our product and engage in collaboration and the increased interest among students to participate in our R&D projects, alongside gained recognition garnered from international organizations. 

Our impact goals for "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" are centered around creating transformative changes in coastal communities, agricultural systems, and marine ecosystems. We aim to achieve the following impact goals:

1. Economic Empowerment: One of our primary impact goals is to empower coastal communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and economic prosperity. We measure progress towards this goal by tracking the number of jobs created in sargassum harvesting, processing, and product development, as well as the increase in income levels among participating community members.

2. Environmental Sustainability: We aspire to promote environmental sustainability by mitigating the impacts of sargassum invasions and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Key indicators for measuring progress include the reduction in harmful gas emissions from decomposing sargassum (mainly CO2, Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide), the improvement in soil health and fertility through the use of our biostimulant product, and the restoration of coastal ecosystems affected by sargassum massive accumulations.

1. Food Security and Agricultural Resilience: We seek to enhance food security and agricultural resilience by providing farmers with sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. Progress towards this goal is measured by the increase in crop yields, the improvement in soil moisture retention and nutrient absorption, and the reduction in dependence on synthetic inputs among participating farmers.

2. Expand Research Horizons and Facilitate Interdisciplinary Collaboration: We seek to expand our research horizons by engaging with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners, fostering meaningful collaboration between the scientific-academic sector and the private-industrial sector. Our goal is to continue exploring and increasing the new applications and opportunities for Sargassum-derived products, including cosmetics, nutraceuticals, bioplastics or animal feed.

3. Climate Resilience and Adaptation: We strive to enhance climate resilience and adaptation capacities within vulnerable coastal communities by promoting ecosystem-based approaches to sargassum management and agricultural production. Progress towards this goal is measured by the resilience of coastal ecosystems to sargassum invasions, the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices among participating farmers, and the capacity of communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

To summarize, to measure our progress towards these impact goals, we employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators, including:

• Number of jobs created in sargassum harvesting, processing, and product development.
• Increase in income levels among participating community members.
• Reduction in harmful gas emissions (CO2, methane, hydrogen sulfide) from decomposing sargassum.
• Improvement in soil health indicators such as organic matter content, nutrient levels, and microbial activity.
• Increase in crop yields and agricultural productivity among participating farmers.
• Reduction in the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural systems.
• Increase in number of R&D projects conducted and new sargassum derived products created. 
• Increase in number of interdisciplinary collaborations stablished. 
• Enhancement of ecosystem resilience indicators such as biodiversity, habitat integrity, and ecosystem services provision. 

The core technology that powers "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" is a multifaceted approach that integrates innovative solutions across various domains, merging R&D, biotechnology and plant-based solutions for a sustainable agriculture and future. 

1. Biotechnology: At the heart of our solution is the application of biotechnology, specifically blue biotech, to harness the potential of sargassum seaweed as a valuable resource. Through advanced bioprocessing techniques, we extract bioactive compounds and nutrients from sargassum biomass, transforming it into high-value products such as biostimulants. These biotechnological processes enable us to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of sargassum while minimizing waste and pollution.

2. Sustainable Agriculture: Our solution leverages the power of biostimulants derived from sargassum to enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. By harnessing the natural growth-promoting properties of sargassum-derived biostimulants, we enable farmers to cultivate healthier and more resilient crops without relying on synthetic fertilizers or harmful chemicals. This sustainable agriculture approach not only benefits farmers economically but also helps to preserve soil health and biodiversity, contributing to long-term food security and environmental sustainability.

3. R&D and Innovative Partnerships: Finally, our solution relies on the power of innovative partnerships to maximize impact and scale. We collaborate with academic institutions, research organizations, and industry partners to develop and test cutting-edge technologies, refine best practices, and advance scientific knowledge in the field of sargassum management and biotechnology. 

"Harvesting Hope from the Sea" harnesses the power of blue biotechnology, sustainable agriculture and innovative partnerships. 

Full-time: 7

Part-time: 3

Contractors: 8

Other workers: 6

"Harvesting Hope from the Sea," has been actively pursued for approximately 1 year and a half. Meanwhile, SOS Carbon, the organization driving this initiative, has been active since 2020. 

At SOS Carbon we recognize the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration within our team. Our commitment to DEI is embedded in our organizational culture and values, and we actively strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members.

Diversity within our Leadership Team: Our leadership team reflects a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Including individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Goals for Becoming More Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive: As an organization, we are committed to continuously improving our diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Our team's goals for becoming more diverse, equitable, and inclusive include:

1. Increasing Representation: We aim to increase representation of underrepresented groups within our team, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals from marginalized communities. We recognize the importance of diverse representation in driving innovation and addressing complex challenges effectively.

2. Removing Barriers to Opportunity: We are committed to minimizing barriers to opportunity for staff by promoting equal access to professional development, training, and advancement opportunities. 

3. Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and supported. 

The business model revolves around leveraging the abundant resource of Sargassum to create value for both the environment and the communities it serves. 

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Farmers and Agricultural Producers: One of the primary beneficiaries of "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" are farmers and agricultural producers, particularly those in coastal regions affected by Sargassum invasions. These stakeholders benefit from the innovative biostimulants derived from Sargassum, which enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

2. Consumers of Agricultural Products: Consumers who rely on agricultural products benefit indirectly from the initiative by gaining access to healthier, more sustainable produce. The use of biostimulants results in higher-quality crops that are more resilient to environmental stressors, ultimately improving food security and nutrition for communities.

3. Environmental Stakeholders: Environmental stakeholders, including coastal communities and marine ecosystems, benefit from the sustainable management of Sargassum invasions. By removing excess Sargassum from coastal waters and repurposing it into valuable products, the initiative mitigates environmental degradation, reduces pollution, and preserves biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

Products and Services:

1. Biostimulants: The core products offered by "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" include the sargassum biostimulant (OceanSustain). This product is scientifically formulated to enhance plant growth, improve soil health, and increase crop resilience to environmental stressors. By harnessing the natural properties of Sargassum, the initiative provides sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

2. Research and Development: The initiative conducts extensive research and development activities based on blue biotech to optimize extraction methods, characterize product compositions, and assess the efficacy of biostimulants in field trials. Through ongoing scientific research, the initiative continuously innovates and improves its products to meet the evolving needs of customers and address emerging challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Delivery Mechanisms: "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" delivers its products and services through strategic partnerships, distribution channels, and direct engagement with stakeholders. Key delivery mechanisms include:

• Collaborations with agricultural companies, research institutions, and academic partners to facilitate product development and testing.
• Distribution partnerships with local fertilizer companies and agricultural suppliers to make biostimulants accessible to farmers and producers.
• Direct sales channels for consumers interested in purchasing agricultural products derived from Sargassum.

Value Proposition: The value proposition of "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" lies in its ability to provide sustainable solutions to pressing environmental and agricultural challenges while creating economic opportunities for communities. By repurposing Sargassum into valuable products, the initiative promotes environmental stewardship, supports local economies, and fosters resilience in agricultural systems. Customers and beneficiaries are attracted to the initiative's products and services because of their efficacy, sustainability, and positive impact on both the environment and livelihoods.

In summary, the business model of "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" centers on providing innovative solutions derived from Sargassum to address environmental and agricultural challenges, while creating value for communities and ecosystems alike. Through strategic partnerships, research-driven innovation, and sustainable practices, the initiative aims to foster a more resilient and prosperous future for coastal regions affected by Sargassum invasions.

To achieve financial sustainability, our plan involves a multifaceted approach, leveraging various revenue streams and funding sources to cover our operational expenses and support ongoing innovation and growth. Our strategies include sustained donations and grants, revenue from product sales and services, service contracts with governments, and raising investment capital.

Currently, we have secured grants from esteemed organizations such as UNWTO, the United Kingdom Embassy in the Dominican Republic, and The Germany Embassy in the Dominican Republic, among others. These grants have provided crucial financial support for our initiatives, including research and development and community engagement efforts.

Furthermore, SOS Carbon sustains the "Harvesting Hope from the Sea" project through revenue generated from Sargassum harvesting (environmental sanitation) and consultancy services. This revenue stream contributes to covering our project's ongoing expenses and operational costs.

As we progress through the scaling-up phases, we anticipate generating revenue from product sales, starting with the biostimulant derived from Sargassum. This revenue will play a pivotal role in achieving economic self-sufficiency for the project. Additionally, as the biostimulant gains market stability, we plan to diversify our product portfolio through ongoing research and development efforts, generating additional income streams in the future.

Our project is designed to evolve and grow in tandem with the completion of various stages. We are committed to achieving full solvency and sustainability once established, ensuring our ability to continue making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

In summary, our financial sustainability plan encompasses a mix of grants, revenue from product sales and services, and potential investment capital. Through careful management and strategic partnerships, we aim to ensure the long-term viability and success of our solution while continuing to innovate and address pressing environmental challenges.