Reflections on the 2025 Sea Cucumber Symposium – A Step Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy

We had the opportunity to organize the 2025 Sea Cucumber Symposium, held on 26th and 27th of July. The event marked a significant milestone for Northern Sri Lanka, and we are proud that SAHO Creations was responsible for organizing and managing the entire event.

In Northern Sri Lanka, we have two largely underutilized resources, land and the sea. While much attention is given to land-based development, We were truly inspired by Synamon Global’s strategic focus on the blue economy particularly sustainable sea cucumber aquaculture. Their approach is not only economically viable but also environmentally restorative.

The symposium brought together a powerful network of large-scale sea cucumber farmers, banks, universities, and other stakeholders, creating a rare and productive platform for knowledge sharing and future planning. It was especially valuable for SC farmers who had much exposure to international processing standards, value addition techniques, or export pathways. Sessions on hatchery development, biosecurity, and the risks of wild harvesting helped to clarify the future direction for the industry.

One notable moment was when the Fisheries Minister was delayed for the inauguration. Ms. Sonali from Synamon Global personally met with him, communicated the importance of the event, and convinced him to attend a testament to her unwavering commitment. After the symposium, she followed up with him to share the outcomes, which he appreciated and endorsed.

Perhaps the most exciting outcome came after the event. The Large scale SC farmers who participated didn’t just go back to their regular routines. Instead, they gathered, reflected on what they learned, and formally established a Sea Cucumber Farmers’ Association. This marks a major step forward in organizing the sector, promoting collective standards, and strengthening their voice in both local and international markets. They are now actively working to standardize farming practices and initiate hatchery operations, aligning with global best practices.

Synamon Global’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. Their model rooted in reinvestment, community empowerment, and environmental stewardship is a blueprint for regenerative development. Their belief that capital should be catalytic, not extractive, is visible in every aspect of this initiative.

We deeply appreciate Synamon Global and their team for investing their time, expertise, and energy into the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s coastal communities. This is not just a project, it’s a movement toward economic dignity, ecological resilience, and intergenerational impact.