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Famine relief

There are many different strains of algae and some have been used for millennia as a ready source of human nutrition.

In countries where food security is challenged by poverty, war and severe weather events such as drought, some forms of algae food offer hope of providing a new source of emergency rations, or in some cases a part of peoples’ routine diet.

For example, the micro-algae Spirulina is a human and animal food or nutritional supplement made primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima.

Arthrospira is cultivated around the world, used as a human dietary supplement, as well as a whole food, and is available in tablet, flake and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industries.

Spirulina contains between 55% and 77% protein by dry weight, depending upon the source. It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, though with reduced amounts of methionine, cysteine and lysine when compared to the proteins of meat, eggs and milk. It is, however, superior to typical plant protein, such as that from legumes.

The United Nations World Food Conference in 1974 lauded spirulina as the 'best food for the future'. Recognising the inherent potential of spirulina in the sustainable development agenda, several Member States of the United Nations came together to form an intergovernmental organisation named the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM).

IIMSAM aspires to build a consensus with the UN Member States, international community and other stakeholders to make spirulina a key driver to eradicate malnutrition, achieve food security and bridge the health divide throughout the world.

Drawing upon its expertise in rapid large-scale bio-mass production, MBD Energy Limited proposes to assist with this process wherever possible.

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