Stories From the Ground: Sunshine Coast, Canada

On the Sunshine Coast, Carma is diving into new territory—kelp restoration. In partnership with local Indigenous communities and environmental organisations, this project focuses on reviving degraded kelp forests that play a crucial role in both ocean health and cultural heritage. 

Kelp, known as the “forests of the sea,” provides shelter, food, and vital habitat for marine life. But its impact extends beyond the ocean floor, making a difference for people and communities, too.

These underwater ecosystems have faced serious degradation due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Restoring kelp forests is not just about bringing back a critical marine habitat—it’s about reconnecting communities with their traditions and cultural practices​.

Kelp forests are biodiversity hotspots, much like their land-based counterparts. They provide critical habitat for thousands of marine species, from fish to shellfish, supporting the entire marine food chain.

Beyond that, kelp is a climate champion: it absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide and can help mitigate ocean acidification, one of the biggest threats to marine ecosystems today.

By restoring kelp on the Sunshine Coast, we’re not only helping marine life thrive, but also contributing to carbon sequestration and coastal protection​​.

This project isn’t just about ocean health—it’s about people. For Indigenous communities, kelp has long been part of their heritage, used for sustenance, medicine, and cultural practices. 

By restoring these kelp forests, we’re helping to preserve these traditions and empower local communities to take an active role in protecting their natural resources. The project also offers educational opportunities, where participants can learn about marine ecosystems, the cultural significance of kelp, and the broader importance of ocean conservation​.

Our kelp restoration on the Sunshine Coast is proof that environmental efforts and social impact can—and should—go hand in hand. As we work to heal the ocean, we’re also supporting the well-being of the communities that depend on it.