Grenada Conference Explores Sargassum Economic Opportunities

The 2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, held in Grenada, wrapped up with a renewed commitment to collect the invasive seaweed before it reaches shore, with the aim of creating sustainable value chains. The two-day conference, themed “Turning the Tide: Sustainable Practices and Economic Opportunities for Sargassum in the Caribbean Basin,” attracted over 400 stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector. It aimed to address the socio-economic impacts of Sargassum, which has significantly affected tourism and fisheries in the region. Co-chaired by Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, and EU Commission’s Mr. Felix Fernandez-Shaw, the conference brought together Caribbean leaders to address this pressing environmental issue. During a High-Level Forum, participants underscored the urgency of transforming Sargassum from a problem into an economic opportunity. “This includes catalysing research and innovation in a common space, promoting public private partnerships and enhancing predictability and forecasting on the availability of Sargassum supply,” emphasised Fernandez-Shaw. The forum also encouraged the development of national strategies for collecting and processing Sargassum, calling for a harmonised approach across the Caribbean. Prime Minister Mitchell declared his goal to initiate offshore collection of Sargassum by 2026. “The Government of Grenada and the...