Cancun hosts a summit to explore Sargassum’s economic opportunities

Political and tourism leaders, environmental experts and entrepreneurs will gather at the “National Forum Mexico-European Union 2024” to work on disruptive strategies to turn sargassum into golden business opportunities.

Some prominent organizers include representatives from the European Union, the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA), the CAF Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and The Seas We Love.

“The European Union has launched a ‘Global Gateway’ initiative to work with partner countries to promote sustainable and inclusive economic development, fight the climate crisis and achieve digital development that benefits people,” reads the official website.

The forum strives to take concrete actions to prevent the arrival of refugees sargasso in Mexico and other Caribbean destinations and stimulate the production of biofuels, organic fertilizers, cosmetics, fabrics and building materials.

“The Mexico-EU National Forum 2024 provides a unique opportunity to comprehensively address solutions to the sargassum problem in the Mexican Caribbean. It will be a place to share knowledge, experiences and innovative strategies that promote sustainable and effective actions.” say organizers.

The proposal is being celebrated among tourism leaders because seaweed has been wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, polluting water and driving down visitor numbers for nearly a decade. Not to mention the millions it takes to collect and remove the algae during the long months of seaweed season.

According to official data, the Mexican Caribbean has seen an 11.6 percent decline in gross domestic product (GDP) in recent years due to sargassum.

Forum agenda

The forum will be held from July 18 to 19 in the seaside resort of Cancun.

On July 18, in three groups, participants will tackle nine challenges related to “The Comprehensive Strategy for the Management and Use of Sargassum.”

There will also be a marketing roadshow to boost the “SargaTech” sector by connecting it with companies interested in purchasing their products.

On July 19, visitors will participate in discussion panels designed to delve into the sargassum issue and “explore sustainable solutions.”

During these days, the forum will also host other events, including the “Workshop for Political Dialogue and Cooperation – Co-designing a Regional Strategy for the Comprehensive Management of Sargassum in the Greater Caribbean and its Potential as a Fisheries Resource.”

Government members and scientists from Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic are expected at this event.