The island state of Grenada hosted the 2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum, uniting stakeholders from across the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. This two-day event, held from 1st to 2nd October 2024, focused on transforming the environmental challenge of sargassum seaweed into sustainable economic opportunities. Discussions centred on regional collaboration, innovative solutions, and real-world investments, exploring how this crisis can be turned into an economic driver for coastal communities.
Sargassum: A shared problem, different solutions
Sargassum seaweed is a major ecological and economic threat across the Caribbean, but every island faces unique challenges. Larger islands like Jamaica may have more infrastructure to manage the problem, while smaller islands, such as Saint Vincent and Grenada, have fewer resources. However, these smaller islands offer unique opportunities to pilot scalable, localised solutions.
Small island communities, with the right support, are key to addressing this issue. Grenada’s size and community structure, for instance, could enable innovative approaches to managing sargassum, combining local knowledge with international expertise.
The role of the European Union: from strategy to action
Through its Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA), the European Union has shown a strong commitment to supporting the Caribbean in its fight against sargassum as stated in their joint press release. With significant financial backing and international collaboration, the EU is not only offering aid but fostering partnerships to implement concrete solutions.
“Turning sargassum from threat to an opportunity requires creating a value chain. In Grenada, we brought together governments, international financial institutions, researchers, private sector and industry, and local communities and asked a simple question: ‘Do you have fresh sargassum to sell? Are you interested in buying fresh sargassum?’ The result was incredibly positive, even if very complex. Many solutions were presented, contacts were made. But building a sargassum value chain will require concerted efforts, aligned between all stakeholders, to focus on working together.”– Félix Fernández-Shaw, Director for Latin America, the Caribbean and Overseas Countries and Territories (LAC and OCTs), DG INTPA, European Commission
Small islands, big opportunities: Grenada’s case study
Grenada is preparing a sargassum collection chain, set to be operational by 2026. But what happens to the seaweed once it is collected? This is where Origin by Ocean comes in. By turning sargassum into valuable products through biorefinery technology, Origin by Ocean’s approach offers Grenada an economic lifeline.
A local biorefinery in Grenada could create jobs, stimulate technological advancements, and help position the island as a key player in the blue economy. Beyond the Caribbean, Grenada’s proximity to the US market could drive export opportunities, further enhancing the island’s economic potential.
The scale of this opportunity will be explored in a detailed case study, which will be completed by summer 2025. The insights gained from this study could provide a blueprint for other small island nations facing similar challenges.
Building a local, sustainable economy
Origin by Ocean’s biorefinery process creates opportunities for sustainable value creation by transforming sargassum, an invasive algae, into high-value products. This process addresses environmental challenges while generating economic opportunities for local communities, benefiting both regional entrepreneurs and global markets.
This approach ensures that small island nations like Grenada are not left behind. Through the combination of local expertise and advanced technology, these islands can become global leaders in sustainable ocean management.
What’s next?
The 2nd EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference was a pivotal moment in the fight against sargassum. The focus now shifts to action. The financial support is in place, but the success of this initiative hinges on the timely implementation of solutions.
Grenada’s case study, which will be ready by summer 2025, will offer critical insights into how sargassum can be turned from an environmental burden into an economic opportunity. By 2026, we hope to see Grenada and other small islands leading the way in the global fight against sargassum.
As Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell stated, “This is a regional challenge, and we must pursue a regional approach.” See his committed speech on Instagram too.
Through continued partnerships between the Caribbean, the EU, and companies like Origin by Ocean, the tide is turning in favour of sustainable solutions.
Watch: The official conference video
For more insights on the EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Sargassum Conference, including remarks from Hon. Ms Kerryne James, Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy of Grenada, watch the official conference video below.