Ecosystem Synergies

Pollution, climate change, and mismanagement are severely compromising the functionality of our ecosystems. Mangroves, seagrasses, coral, oyster reefs, and other coastal-ocean habitats all interact symbiotically; however, most restoration efforts only address them one at a time. Through such practices as regenerative aquaculture, mangrove agroforestry, marine permaculture, and coral restoration, we promote a holistic and multidimensional approach to building back ecosystem health.

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Economic Synergies

By fostering economic opportunities that align with environmental preservation, we create a win-win scenario. This synergy enables local businesses to thrive while safeguarding natural resources. As a result, vibrant coastal economies become strong advocates for environmental conservation, reinforcing a positive feedback loop of growth and sustainability.

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Social Synergies

Local communities often know the solutions to their unique challenges, but lack the necessary capital or access to power. Our approach promotes local ownership and agency by actively involving local communities in the development of solutions, rather than imposing top-down strategies upon them. This collaborative model unites experts, communities, and governments, fostering a collective effort that maximizes impact.

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Case Studies: Our Technologies

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Regenerative Seawater Agriculture


Eritrea, 1,000 hectares

1999-2003


We pioneered the first large-scale and profitable regenerative seawater agriculture system in the world in Eritrea, using shrimp aquacultures to fertilize mangrove-salicornia cultures. We produced 8 tons of mangrove leaves and 5 tons of wood per hectare per year, irrigated entirely with seawater. The World Investment Forum named this a “game-changing system for food security.

Mangrove Restoration & Blue Carbon


Baja California Sur, Mexico, 3,000 hectares

2020 - ongoing


Located within the Laguna San Ignacio UNESCO Biosphere, our mangrove restoration and blue carbon project is executed in partnership with One Tree Planted, and lays the groundwork for more large scale regenerative agroforestry in the Baja region.

Dryland Agroforestry and Watershed Restoration


Mecca Governorate, Saudi Arabia

2009-2018


Blue Center founder Neal Spackman led the Al Baydha Project, a land restoration, poverty-alleviation and heritage preservation program based on permacultural and hydrological design. It is routinely cited as one of the most successful hyperarid restoration programs in the world. A documentary, The Story of Al Baydha, bears witness to this process.

Regenerative blue economies | Food security | Ocean ecosystem restoration