Sargassum Challenge: Turning Seaweed into Innovation

Cancun is set to host the "National Mexico-European Union Forum 2024 to Turn Sargassum into an Opportunity" on July 18th and 19th. This event is being co-organized by the European Union, the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (Sema), the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank (CAF), and The Seas We Love. The aim of the forum is to generate proposals and actions to address the issue of sargassum landing on the Mexican Caribbean coast.

Over the past decade, the massive influx of this seaweed has negatively affected marine ecosystems, produced pollutants, and had severe socioeconomic impacts. This includes reducing the region's touristic appeal and causing an up to 11.6 percent decrease in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the state and the Mexican Caribbean.

The forum seeks to turn this challenge into an opportunity by exploring alternative uses for sargassum. These could include its use in the production of biofuels, organic fertilizers, or construction materials, among other things.

The European Union has initiated the Global Gateway initiative to work with partner countries to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development, combat the climate crisis, and achieve digital development that benefits people. One of its goals is to mitigate the impact of sargassum in the region's countries by supporting various initiatives for the comprehensive management of this seaweed.

The first day of the forum will see experts addressing nine challenges related to the comprehensive strategy for the management and utilization of sargassum. This will be supplemented by a business roadshow to stimulate the growth of the "SargaTech" sector, linking it with industries that can use sustainable products in a circular economy model.

The second day will feature key events and discussion panels to further explore the issues of sargassum and sustainable solutions. Additionally, on July 17th and 18th, the "Co-designing a Regional Strategy for the Comprehensive Management of Sargassum in the Greater Caribbean and its Potential as a Fishing Resource" symposium will take place. This event is organized by CAF and the Mexican Institute for Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS), and will include participants from the governments and scientists from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.

The National Mexico-European Union Forum 2024 provides a unique opportunity to collaboratively address the problem of sargassum in the Mexican Caribbean. This event will bring together political leaders, environmental experts, researchers, and entrepreneurs to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative strategies that promote sustainable and effective actions.