52 million years ago, one plant was solely responsible for the removal of 3,000ppm CO2 from the atmosphere over a period of 800,000 years. This wonder plant was Azolla, an aquatic fern growing ten centimeters thick on the top of freshwater. Azolla both sequesters carbon through photosynthesis and provides local bioremediation by removing harmful nitrates and phosphates from freshwater bodies, reducing algae growth after blooms.
With a doubling rate of 2-3 days, this plant is extremely fast growing and must be managed effectively to ensure it does not become harmful to its freshwater environment. Using special methods for excess biomass removal and sinking to become peat, the carbon sequestered. This excess azolla has great potential for use as a livestock feed due to its high protein and omega 3s. Therefore, azolla could provide both cleaning services to the immediate environment as well as becoming a carbon negative livestock feed.
WIF is engaging in initial research to explore Azolla as a natural Blue Carbon solution and ways in which we can engage local vulnerable communities to ensure management and promote sustainable development in these areas.