by Linda Straker
Sargassum by-products include bioplastics and construction materials
Bio stimulants, biofertilisers, biofuels, and compost created from raw sargassum, offer high commercialisation potential
2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum opened on 1 October
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell believes that innovation, guided by science, is essential to overcoming the challenges posed by the seasonal sargassum challenges that has become a real and significant issue in the region since 2011.
“Across the region, innovative solutions are being developed to harness its potential: bio stimulants, biofertilisers, biofuels, and compost can be created from raw sargassum, offering high commercialisation potential,” the Prime Minister said giving opening remarks at the 2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum which opened at the Radisson Conference Centre on 1 October.
Identifying some of the by-products that can be develop from sargassum he said bioplastics and construction materials derived from sargassum are emerging as promising new products, while the cosmetics and clothing industries are exploring sargassum extracts for various applications.
“New technologies have been developed for both onshore and in-water harvesting, providing more efficient management methods,” he told over 200 participants who will discuss several topics during panel discussions.
“The market potential for sargassum-derived products is vast. Unlocking this potential will require further exploration, investment, and proper governance structures that ensure equitable benefits to all stakeholders,” the Prime Minister said.
Environment Minister Kerryne James in her remarks said that the human cost of sargassum is real because families face public health concerns, as the decaying sargassum emits harmful gases that jeopardise the well-being of coastal communities. “This is a crisis on multiple fronts, and the time for action is now,” said James, who described the conference as a place to not dwell in despair but to rise to the occasion and see the opportunities that can be explored and developed from sargassum. “We must turn this tide, transforming sargassum from a threat into a resource, from an environmental hazard into an economic opportunity. We are not powerless. The solutions are within our reach, and together, through innovation, collaboration, and political will, we can chart a path forward,” James said.
“This conference is more than just a meeting of minds. It is a platform for action,” she said of the 2-day event which also featured remarks from Dr Didacus Jules, Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission at the opening ceremony.
The feature address was delivered by Félix Fernández-Shaw, Director for Latin America, the Caribbean and Overseas Countries and Territories relations, European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships. He spoke on the topic “Global Gateway Regional Response to Sargassum: Building a Sustainable Sargassum Value Chain in the Caribbean.”
