‘RockSeeds’ is a long term program supported by UNESCO facing one of the most urgent ecological crisis : Kelp forests instinction. This work is a huge innovative step permitting to bring back life in different underwater devastating areas in the world. With this technique we transform rocks into kelps strong enough to resist to the ocean heating up. A crucial step forward, given that kelps absorb more CO2 than rainforest.

Deforestation of kelp forests is a significant yet underreported issue affecting France's coastal waters.

TBS, with a heritage spanning 50 years and deep ties to the ocean through sailing, recognizes the urgency of this environmental challenge.

One Ocean, a prominent foundation with UNESCO's support, shares this recognition.

Their collaboration is a strategic and natural alliance to address the critical issue of kelp deforestation.

TBS has always been about the sea since it started in 1978. It makes sense for them to get involved with kelp reforestation — it's right in line with what they stand for.

Rockseeds enhances climate action (UN's 13th SDG) by restoring kelp forests to sequester carbon dioxide, fostering ecological resilience, and promoting global collaboration in climate efforts.

Brands : A conglomerate involving TBS, a clothing brand that has drawn its inspiration from the sea since 1978, accompanied by the 1 Ocean Foundation. This foundation operates under the auspices of the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), a project supported by UNESCO.

Brief : How to turn TBS's dedication to the sea into concrete action?

Objectives : Launch a project to protect the ocean and fight climate change, with goals to restore expansive tracts of kelp forest, crucial for preserving biodiversity and increasing CO2 absorption.

The issue of kelp deforestation scarcely makes headlines in the media.

In France, this environmental challenge has yet to become a topic of public debate, with only a handful of organizations raising the alarm.

Globally, kelp forests are vanishing at an alarming rate, exemplified by the 95% loss along California's coast since 2014.

This crisis underscores the necessity of inclusivity and partnership, as demonstrated by the collective efforts of TBS, UNESCO, and 1 OCEAN, which showcase how collaboration is essential to tackle such widespread challenges.

We've developed a method to convert seabed stones into "seeds" for cultivating kelp trees, bypassing their vulnerable early growth phase. Young kelp plants are so vulnerable they can’t start growing amid rising ocean temperatures until they reach a height of 12 centimeters. Our technique involves carving spaces in ocean rocks for kelp to securely develop in a protected environment before being strong enough to endure the ocean's conditions. This innovation has transformed thousands of rocks into nurturing homes for kelp, revitalizing ocean ecosystems.

We've installed underwater cameras to monitor kelp growth. To engage the public and promote awareness, we've made our monitoring system open-source, offering live streams for global viewing and involvement. Funding is generated through a monetized YouTube channel, with proceeds supporting the foundation. Additionally, we're running awareness campaigns in Paris to highlight the issue of declining kelp forests. With the help of science, live can even grow from a lifeless rock.

Our technique involves carving spaces in ocean rocks for kelp to securely develop in a protected environment before being strong enough to endure the ocean's conditions. This innovation has transformed thousands of rocks into nurturing homes for kelp, revitalizing ocean ecosystems.

We launched a reforestation program targeting the Loire Estuary in France, Norway, and French Polynesia, focusing on severely affected areas. We've installed underwater cameras at these sites to track salinity, temperature, light, and kelp regrowth in real-time, helping us identify robust versus fragile kelps.

We've successfully reforested over 50 000 square meters of kelp forest in areas most affected: the Loire Estuary in France, Norway, and French Polynesia.

The concern regarding kelp deforestation has now escalated to significant levels of government attention, prompting discussions among political authorities.

With this initiative, we aim to raise awareness about kelp forests and make their conservation as well-known as tree planting.

Future steps involve improving the techniques for cultivating and planting kelp, assessing the effects on marine life and carbon capture, and adapting the project for various ecological regions.

Our goal is to reforest over 20 areas across all five oceans.

We meticulously minimized CO2 emissions throughout the project, with a vigilant focus on sustainability during all phases.