The popularity of cycling in the Netherlands is well known, and for good reason. The Dutch have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure and education, creating a culture where cycling is not just a form of transportation, but a way of life. This culture has resulted in significant benefits, both for the environment and the health of the population. In addition, cycling tourism has become an important part of the Dutch economy, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience the country on two wheels.

Cycling tourism is a global phenomenon that offers a unique way to experience a destination, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace, interact with locals, and take in the environment around them. Cycling is a low-impact form of transportation, making it an ideal way to explore areas that are difficult to access by car or bus. Moreover, cycling tourism has a longer-term economic impact, both in marketing the attractions of the territory and in job creation.

At the talk, Jaime Garrido emphasized that the success of cycling tourism requires the presence of a network of local actors, both public and private, who act synergistically for the success of the initiative. At the policy level, this implies the need to develop any project in an integrated perspective, involving all the actors in the territory.

In conclusion, the event highlighted the potential of cycling tourism as a sustainable and profitable way to explore Cuba. By investing in cycling infrastructure and education, Cuba can create a culture where cycling is not just a form of transportation, but a way of life. This culture will have significant benefits for the environment, the health of the population, and the economy. We are grateful to the Citykleta Bicycle Festival and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Cuba for this incredible opportunity and look forward to seeing the development of cycling culture in Cuba.

One of the most exciting developments in the field of seaweed farming is the emergence of organic seaweed farms. Zeewaar is the first Dutch and organically certified seaweed farm located in the Oosterschelde National Park. The farm was started by Rebecca Wiering and Jennifer Breaton in 2013 with the goal of creating sustainable seaweed cultivation in the Netherlands. Their mission was to get sustainable seaweed farming off the ground in the EU, and they have succeeded in doing so by collaborating with brands such as Hema, ProLaTerre, and The Dutch Weedburger.

Zeewaar grows seaweeds in the Oosterschelde National Park in an organic and sustainable manner that is ideally suited for human consumption. The seaweed is grown on an area of about 2 football fields with the possibility of expanding in the future. The harvest is processed locally in its own processing facility. It is the first seaweed farm in the EU to have implemented the highest food safety standards.

Over the past decade, the founders have put their heart and soul into developing Zeewaar into a reliable producer of premium seaweed products for food purposes. The emphasis is now on logistics, and therefore the time has come for the founders to pass on the baton.

The Seaweed Company aims to collaborate with all partners, from government to research institutions, and from consumers to other seaweed and fisheries companies, to bring seaweed applications and ingredients to the menu of more consumers and businesses in Europe. The acquisition of Zeewaar is a significant step towards achieving this goal. By continuing the sustainable cultivation of seaweed and expanding its distribution, the Seaweed Company hopes to make seaweed a more mainstream and accessible food source.