More than 400 participants from various sectors attended the EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference. The event aimed to tackle the socio-economic and environmental effects of Sargassum.
Sustainable Solutions Discussed
Attendees explored innovative research and strategies to manage Sargassum. They focused on establishing sustainable value chains. This conference is part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, which supports investments in creating secure value chains globally. The event also strengthened the partnership between the Caribbean and the EU on this pressing issue.
High-Level Commitment to Sargassum Control
The conference, organized by Grenada, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the European Union, centered on proactive collection efforts. During a forum co-chaired by Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, officials committed to addressing Sargassum before it reaches coastal areas.
Felix Fernandez-Shaw from the European Commission highlighted the urgent need for collaboration. Caribbean leaders stressed the importance of turning Sargassum into a viable economic resource. The initiative aims to boost research and innovation, foster partnerships, and improve forecasting for Sargassum.
National Strategies and Regional Cooperation
The forum also urged Caribbean countries to develop national strategies for collecting and processing Sargassum. Leaders discussed aligning management frameworks across the region. Decision-makers committed to exploring business models and offshore collection methods. They also agreed to attract investments in infrastructure through joint ventures and technology transfers.
Prime Minister Mitchell outlined plans to begin offshore Sargassum collection by 2026. He announced a project team for Grenada and the EU by the end of 2024. This team will focus on mobilizing resources for the collection, storage, and processing of fresh Sargassum.
Circular Economy and Job Creation
European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen stressed the potential of a circular economy. “Developing Sargassum value chains could mitigate environmental issues while generating jobs and fostering growth in the Caribbean,” she said.
The conference, themed Turning the Tide: Sustainable Practices and Economic Opportunities for Sargassum in the Caribbean Basin, highlighted the need for continued cooperation between the EU and the Caribbean to address this growing issue.
Source/Photo: dominicanewsonline.com
