Algae for design-led transition towards blue bioeconomy

The variety of blue bio-economies in the Nordic-Baltic region call for increased cross-sectoral cooperation if we are to truly envision practices capable of bringing about the transition towards more sustainable bio-based futures. We propose that the critical toolsets and methods of bio-integrated design can aid in the development of these visions or, emergent opportunities; in particular, in the context of tackling such global challenges as climate breakdown, pollution, loss of bio-diversity, and the depletion of natural resources. On the example of algae – a diverse group of more than 72,500 species of aquatic photosynthetic organisms, increasingly recognized as one of the largest under-exploited resources on the planet – with this 2-year initiative – “Algae for Design-Led Transition towards Blue Bio-Economy” – we will exchange knowledge, technology, and bio-resources across adjacent coastal areas as well as integrate skill-sets from marine ecology and the emerging bio-based industry with the forward-looking capacity of design to envision pathways for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Deploying algae as a source of aquatic bio-mass, we will focus on its applications in areas such as bio-materials, bio-energy (fuels) and bio-remediation services with the aim of contributing to the development of more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive blue bio-economy – restorative and regenerative by design – in the Nordic- Baltic region. Deploying algae as a source of aquatic bio-mass, we will focus on its applications in areas such as bio-materials, bio-energy (fuels) and bio-remediation services with the aim of contributing to the development of more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive blue bio-economy – restorative and regenerative by design – in the Nordic- Baltic region. Project partners: Aalto University, Design School Kolding, Estonian Marine Institute, Iceland University of the Arts, Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation, Vilnius Academy of Arts Project period: 01.05.2022-31.10.2023 Funding: Nordplus Horizontal

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