Enhancing Barranco Botanics, a Small Coastal Company Making Marine-Based Soaps with 100% Belizean Ingredients
The project aims to build a self-sustaining, financially viable marine-based soap business in Barranco Village, Belize. Given that Belize’s blue economy strategy prioritizes sustainable marine resource use, Barranco Botanics will collaborate with the Belize Women’s Seaweed Farmers Association and local suppliers to address key challenges such as limited production capacity and an undersized facility. The project focuses on expanding into a fully equipped production space and launching a new seaweed-based liquid soap line, ultimately enabling business growth, expanding seaweed purchases from local farmers, and creating new employment opportunities for women in Barranco.
Grantee
Barranco Botanics
Location
Barranco Village, Toledo
Thematic Area
Time-frame
February 2026 – May 2027
Project Goal:
To create a self-financing, sustainable and mature seaweed industry for Belize.
Project Objectives:
- To develop a comprehensive seaweed industry post-harvesting quality control training program.
- To train and certify 22 individuals in seaweed post-harvesting quality control.
- To develop and market 2 new seaweed value-added products to diversify income and contribute to the capitalization of the new Seaweed Industry Fund.
- To create the blueprint of the Seaweed Industry Fund for future capitalization.
- To promote collaboration and support from the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries.
Expected Outputs:
- Training curriculum and manual Seaweed post-harvesting quality control developed.
- 22 individuals trained and certified in post harvesting quality control.
- Two new seaweed value added products (one health food product and one cosmetic product).
Seaweed Industry Fund Blueprint created. - Establish a partnership between the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and Blue Nutrients Belize.
