Dr Nicole Hart, Managing Director at Afrikelp™.
Healthy ecosystems are crucial for our survival. Only with healthy ecosystems can we counteract climate change, increase biodiversity and address the world’s need for food, fibre and shelter. World Environment Day 2021 focuses on actions that can be taken to conserve existing ecosystems but also to revive those already damaged.
Ecosystems are defined as the interaction between living organisms with their surroundings. This includes nature as well as human-made systems such as cities or farms.
Sustainable agriculture implies that food and fibre production should sustain farmers, resources, communities and the value chain. Farming and production practices that are profitable, environmentally sound and good for communities should therefore be promoted.
The responsible use of natural resources, taking cognisance of natural ecosystems, is essential for sustainable agriculture and development in general.
The uniquely South African kelp species, Ecklonia maxima, is found at the southern tip of the country where they grow in the strong currents along the coastline. The high nutrient content, clean water and robust wave action cause the kelp, or sea bamboo, to grow rapidly and simultaneously absorb the required nutrient elements available in the sea water.
Afrikelp™ has been harvesting kelp on the western coast of South Africa since 1976. We make sure that we do not upset the ecology and that the natural population remains healthy and sustainable. In our operations, we follow ethical business practices, respect the environment and are focused on preserving and managing the kelp populations because we know that this natural resource is vital for the health of all sea life. The main drive behind our harvesting operations is our love for nature, the responsible use of natural resources, and our commitment towards customers to provide a high-quality product.
Kelp beds are not damaged during harvesting. Only the top part (fronds) of the kelp is cut away from where they join at the stipe (stem) of the kelp. The fronds can continuously grow and regenerate.
The harvesting of kelp is heavily regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Only a few concession holders can harvest limited annual volumes of kelp in certain areas. The concession, from which Afrikelp™ produces biostimulants from the Ecklonia maxima species, covers a large area in Gansbaai.
Unlike land-based plants, kelp does not extract its nutrients from the soil. The kelp extracts nutrients directly from the water around the plant. The holdfast (root) therefore only acts as an anchor but is an important part of the sea-ecology and provides shelter and food for various marine species.
Afrikelp™ is passionate about the sustainability of the kelp populations and we make sure that the kelp beds are regularly monitored and kept healthy. The fragile ecology where the kelp grows is protected, ensuring future generations can enjoy the benefits of our seaweed forests. “Our continuous monitoring and responsible harvest methods are evidence of our desire to ensure the long-term sustainability of these natural seaweed forests.
Once the harvest has been completed, the kelp is taken to a factory in Gansbaai, where it is washed to remove small animals that live on the kelp and these animals can be returned to the ocean. The washed kelp is then chopped and minced before it is put through the customised extraction process. The natural hormones, so valuable to agriculture, are extremely temperature sensitive.
We ensure that during our cold micronisation process (CMP), used to extract the valuable kelp compounds, there is no exposure to harsh chemicals, high temperatures or pressures. Solids and liquids are separated using the latest technology equipment and preservatives are added to ensure a sufficient shelf life. Kelp extract is a natural product and there is variability in the extract depending on the kelp species, the water temperature at harvest, the time of the year and many other factors. For this reason, we ensure that our biostimulants are standardised and the variation between batches are minimised – ensuring repeatable results on the field.
The 5th of June will call on all of us to think about our actions and the impact that we have on the environment. We cannot turn back time. But we can protect our environment, sustain healthy ecosystems, and produce food and fibre in a sustainable manner with a view to protect what we have for future generations to enjoy.
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