BBVA Leads National Sustainability Challenge: Innovative Solutions for Sargassum Crisis

BBVA, in partnership with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Monterrey Institute of Technology, has initiated an innovative project to tackle the growing problem of sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean. In September 2023, the UNAM-TEC Research, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Consortium launched the first National Sustainability Challenge. This initiative aims to find innovative solutions to lessen the impact of this seaweed on Mexico's coasts.

The main goal of this challenge is to encourage research and technological development projects that can effectively address the various issues associated with sargassum. The proposed solutions were grouped into three main categories: containment and ocean collection of sargassum and its transportation to distribution centers; treatment and utilization of sargassum in circular economy models; and mitigation of environmental impact with a focus on biodiversity recovery in the region.

A panel of judges, including representatives from BBVA Mexico, the UNAM-TEC Consortium, the Riviera Maya Hotel Association, and other key organizations, selected the top three projects. These winners received up to two million pesos for their development. Since November 2023, the finalist teams have been working on implementing solutions that could set new standards in sargassum management.

One of the awarded projects includes the creation of a construction panel, named "sargapanel," made from sargassum. This solution offers a cost-effective alternative for housing construction, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and providing a sustainable option for the construction sector. Another winning project focuses on valuing sargassum as a source of bioenergy and bioproducts. This team proposes creating biofertilizers and biogas, contributing to environmental sustainability and diversifying the local economy.

The third project suggests using sargassum to produce calcium-rich adsorbent materials for removing phosphorus from wastewater. The resulting by-product, a phosphate fertilizer, could be used in soil remediation, further highlighting the potential of sargassum in creating sustainable solutions within a circular economy model.

The National Sustainability Challenge represents a significant effort to encourage collaboration across various sectors of society, aiming to generate positive impacts on the environment and Mexico's economic development. It underscores the importance of supporting Mexican researchers and promoting technological development as essential tools to address future environmental challenges.