The Halophyte-based Energy & Agro-ecological Transitioning (HEAT) Project seeks to commercialise halophytic agro-ecological approaches and bio-energy technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa by introducing saltwater-irrigated biomass production in degraded soils for localised transitions to clean energy and land regeneration. Targeting both bio-energy production and carbon sequestration, the project will test a combined integrated production and processing model in tandem with a service-based business model with existing partners and investors with the aims of operationalising/commercialising the results by the end of the project timeline. The project will be undertaken in Ghana and Namibia with a range of partners from the UK, EU, and African registered entities with a track record of working together in various global geographies. With a strong focus on socio-economic development for rural communities, gender inclusivity, and safe access to clean energy, HEAT expects to exploit the results of the 24-month project for the long-term benefit of communities and existing consortia in the three focus regions of West Africa, South-West Africa, and South Asia.

The coast of Ghana stretches 350 miles, binds 4 administrative regions, and is home to more than a quarter of the country's population. Due to increasing salinity of the water and soil, indigenous coastal communities are suffering from a scarcity of safe water for drinking and irrigation, leading to poor agricultural productivity. Soil erosion and flooding are also growing problems along Ghana's coast, with millions of dollars invested in flood protection for major coastal cities. The "Saline Aquaculture Network in Ghana" project - SANGHA - will establish a network of saltmarsh and aquaculture sites to grow halophytic crops from local seawater and solar-powered irrigation. Degraded or redundant coastal lands will be adapted to grow the crops, and existing aquaculture farms will be enhanced with floating beds of samphire halophytes and mangrove reforestation, providing an additional revenue stream for the farmers as well as water cleaning, flood-mitigation, carbon capture, and pollution services. Scene Connect (SC) is Project Lead with Seawater Solutions (SS) as Technical Lead. SC is an expert in local energy systems and business model development for bottom-of-the-pyramid customers in the Global South. SS launched the first seawater farm in the United Kingdom and will launch Vietnam's first experimental aquaculture farm in early 2020. Various saltwater systems have been developed by SS, including renewable-powered irrigation systems, IoT sensors, and processes to mimic natural ecosystems. This innovation and approach will bring the following benefits to Ghana: • High carbon capture • Increased agricultural yields and improved soil/water/air quality • Promoting organic and regenerative farming practices • Promoting ecosystem restoration • Defence of coastlines from flooding and erosion • Producing high-value 'superfoods' (e.g., Samphire) • Improving incomes and livelihoods of indigenous coastal farmers, especially women, of coastal communities • Investigating novel markets across the agricultural supply chain. Local partner, Maltiti Foundation (MF) facilitates the promotion of quality livelihood for women living in deprived communities in Ghana. MF is the engagement and social research lead, conducting wide ranging analysis of local communities, project impacts and helping to integrate women, young people and marginalised groups into the SANGHANA project, including through awareness raising, training and employment.

For rural communities in Malawi land degradation and the impacts of climate change and natural hazards are key livelihood challenges. The region of Chikwawa is especially prone to environmental strains as it is dryer, lower, and more arid than other regions of the country. Salinity in groundwater and soils threatens the region's already strained arable land resources and vegetation. Our innovation restores degraded land, turning salinized soils into highly profitable and healthy ecosystems without using any freshwater. We do this by using saline groundwater from traditional wells and modern boreholes which have become saline over time, or those that have been dug into deposits of saline water. While these 'saline wells' may no longer be in use, due to their high salinity levels, this project uses them to build ecosystems-based saltwater farms in which nutritious crops and aquaculture are combined in circular production models. SACA Malawi follows on from projects led by the team in the last two years in countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam which addresses similar threats, and implements innovative land management practices for the integrated restoration of saline wells to restore degraded land, and create invaluable ecosystems that strengthen the climate resilience of rural communities.

The Glasgow Wetland Carbon Capture Project (GWCCP) will develop urban wetland sites to deliver a host of economic and environmental benefits to some of the most deprived and vulnerable sections of Glasgow. An exciting, Glasgow-based consortium has joined forces to deliver a shared vision of supporting Glasgow's post-Covid19 green recovery. It features: * a pioneering and award-winning agri-tech start-up (Seawater Solutions) * a world-leading international technological university specialising in climate change and sustainability (University of Strathclyde), * a cross-industry group devoted to promoting urban ag-tech as a solution for food and environmental crises (UKUAT). And with Glasgow City Council (GCC) as customer, we have one of the UK's most forward-thinking and ambitious local councils to steer the project to deliver the best outcome for its people, economy, and future security and sustainability. GWCCP's aims appear relatively simple - to turn degraded, redundant or vacant land into thriving urban wetlands. On the surface, GWCCP will deliver: * a natural defence from rising sea levels, flooding, and soil erosion that costs councils millions every year to tackle * increased biodiversity and green space access for local residents and visitors alike, improving residents' wellbeing and encouraging nature to return to urban settings * a Sustainable Start-up Village giving local residents the opportunity to work of the improved land, and utilise the crops being grown (including samphire for consumption and reeds fibres for textiles) * outreach and engagement opportunities for vulnerable communities and local schools and museums to raise awareness of the need to recover in a more sustainable manner. Dig below this beautified wetland surface and you find some extraordinary benefits relevant to the issues faced by Glasgow: * the world's most effective carbon sinks, with each hectare able to capture up to 250 tonnes of carbon and a potential £30,000 on the carbon credit market * a hugely effective soil and water cleaning process, that can transform contaminated soils and waters so that communities and businesses can return and utilise the area. This is all achievable in time for COP26, resulting in a showcase of Glasgow's innovative approach to a greener, fairer, more sustainable recovery, delivered entirely by the people and organisations of Glasgow. Finally, it will develop a model so that council's around the UK and internationally can adopt, helping urban communities to create green jobs and become more involved and passionate about their cities, while in the process helping councils to reach their own environmental, economic and social-cohesion targets.