This World Environment Day, we’re shining a light on the many ways algae can play a role in protecting our planet.
Introduction
We’re at a point where the environmental challenges we face can’t be solved with technology alone. That’s where nature-based solutions (NBS) come in – and among them, algae might just be one of the most overlooked heroes out there. These tiny organisms pack a serious punch when it comes to sustainable development.
This World Environment Day, let’s explore how algae contribute to tackling global issues and advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The United Nations in the year 2016 introduced the 17 interconnected SDGs (see figure 1) with an aim to address issues such as clean water, clean energy, climate action, education, economic growth, and more. Each goal’s fulfilment requires innovation, collaboration, and systemic changes, values which algae industries embody.
The United Nations introduced World Environment Day in the year 1974 at the Stockholm conference to create awareness about the rising environmental issues. The 2025 theme of “Restore Our Earth” puts an emphasis on ecosystem restoration and sustainability.
How the Algae Industry Supports Each SDG
From food security and clean energy to education and economic empowerment, algae are quietly driving change across the globe. This blog explores how the algae industry contributes to each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with real-life success stories and initiatives to back it up.
✅ 1. No Poverty
Seaweed farming creates economic opportunities for coastal communities. India’s Seaweed Mission, part of NITI Aayog’s Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), supports seaweed cultivation, providing livelihoods, especially for women in regions with limited job prospects.
✅ 2. Zero Hunger
Spirulina is widely consumed by health freaks because of its superfood status, as it carries all the essential nutrients the human body needs. Many organizations supply spirulina-based nutraceuticals to the malnourished population, helping fight hunger.
✅ 3. Good Health and Well-being
Rich in protein, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, algae such as spirulina provide a plant-based, cruelty-free substitute for animal products. Spirulina, which has more than 40% protein by dry weight, provides vegetarians, vegans, and health-conscious people with the nutrients they need without depending on animal products.
✅ 4. Quality Education
Algae farming, especially spirulina and seaweed cultivation, requires technical know-how. Organizations like the Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC), the Department of Energy, and the Algae in Agriculture Education Alliance (AAEA) provide vocational training and skill-building programs, equipping people with the tools to turn algae farming into a livelihood.
✅ 5. Gender Equality
Women are stepping up in the algae sector, especially in seaweed farming. In coastal India, they’re earning, leading, and sharing decision-making power in communities that previously offered limited roles for women.
✅ 6. Clean Water and Sanitation
Companies like AgroMorph are tapping into algae’s ability to absorb nutrients from wastewater. Their algal systems not only treat wastewater sustainably but also generate biomass that can be repurposed into valuable products.
✅ 7. Affordable and Clean Energy
Biofuels and Bioenergy generated using certain algal species have been used by the aviation and automotive industries to generate environmentally friendly transportation. Industries like Alfa Laval are exploring algae as a potential source for Biofuel. In the year 2012, the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology showcased the first run of algae-based biodiesel operated Chevrolet Tavera made by GM for the Indian market. “More Mileage,” a start-up from Ranchi, India, has set up their very own biofuel petrol pump, which contains biofuel produced using algae. Vehicles with EM590 diesel engines can utilize this biofuel. The cost of the Biofuel is set at 72 rupees per liter compared to diesel, which costs 92 rupees per liter.
✅ 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
Algae farming is a growing industry, with small-scale farmers earning additional income and some entrepreneurs generating profits of ₹80,000 a month. Nutrigien Agrotech Pvt. Ltd. has built a ₹80 lakh revenue stream through spirulina production alone, proving its potential for national economic growth.
✅ 9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The biomass generated after algal growth is of utmost economic importance and can be used to generate economically viable products like nutraceutical, biofuel, etc. Startups like Algiknit have been known to produce sustainable fashion made using algae-based yarn. Dutch designers Eric Klarenbeek and Maartje Dros have produced 3D-printed bioplastics based on microalgae, which will be used for many other industrial applications.
✅ 10. Reduced Inequality
Algae create decentralized opportunities in low-income and remote areas, helping reduce economic and geographic inequalities.
✅ 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
Urban cities in Serbia have set up liquid photobioreactors, which have amenities like a charging port and streetlight with a view to capturing carbon and filtering air to fill the void of trees.
✅ 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
Evoware, a startup based in Indonesia, uses natural sources like straws, wheat, and seaweed in making daily objects like handbags, culinary, stationery, etc. This has inoculated a habit of reasonable consumption and production of resources, which in turn reduces the burden on the environment.
✅ 13. Climate Action
Algae absorb CO₂ faster than trees and can be used to create carbon-negative products. Cultivating algae on a large scale can significantly reduce greenhouse gases.
✅ 14. Life Below Water
As mentioned in the SDG goal no. 3 The seaweed farming helps reduce stress on fishing industries, allowing the underwater biodiversity to flourish, and helps combat ocean acidification.
✅ 15. Life on Land
The need for deforestation is negated for algal/seaweed farming, as they require minimal land and sea area for cultivation. Profit per acre for spirulina farming is anywhere between 20-50 lakhs/acre compared to 2-5 lakhs for traditional crop farming, meaning that to achieve the same level of profits as spirulina farming traditional farmer will have to use 5-6 times more land, thus saving land resources.
✅ 16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
By offering ethical and plant-based alternatives (e.g., vegan omega-3, biodegradable goods), algae reduce environmental injustice associated with resource exploitation.
✅ 17. Partnerships for the Goals
Collaborations between NGOs, governments, startups, and researchers are accelerating algae innovation. Initiatives like CII’s Blue Economy Platform in India exemplify multistakeholder cooperation.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the goals of World Environment Day and the broader mission of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one truth stands out: algae are more than just microscopic organisms—they are a macro solution to some of humanity’s most urgent challenges.
From clean water and affordable energy to climate action, economic empowerment, and gender equality, the algae industry is quietly yet powerfully transforming our path towards a sustainable future.
About AgroMorph
AgroMorph Technosolutions focuses on creating environmentally conscious, economically viable solutions to urban environmental challenges. Initially specializing in algal ingredients, we have expanded to provide turnkey solutions leveraging advanced photobioreactor designs. Our scalable systems address diverse needs, from wastewater treatment to carbon sequestration, aligning with our vision of pioneering sustainable innovation to combat climate change.
References:
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2118317&utm
- https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/haryana-introduce-spirulina-product-combat-malnutrition-children-nuh-8899562/?utm
- https://news-decoder.com/a-green-food-thats-key-to-ending-malnutrition-worldwide/?utm
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2085252&utm
- https://thebetterindia.com/266971/low-cost-eco-friendly-petrol-diesel-biofuel-algae-jharkhand-engineer-innovation/?utm
- https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-examples/seaweed-based-packaging-to-eliminate-waste-evoware?utm