Political and tourism leaders, environmental experts and entrepreneurs will gather at the “Mexico-European Union National Forum 2024” to work on disruptive strategies to turn sargassum into golden business opportunities.
Some prominent organizers include European Union representatives, 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 seeks to create concrete actions to mitigate the arrival of sargassum in Mexico and other Caribbean destinations and boost the production of biofuels, organic fertilizers, cosmetics, fabrics and construction materials.
“The Mexico-EU National Forum 2024 represents 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 has been celebrated among tourism leaders since seaweed has been wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, polluting waters and reducing visitor numbers for almost a decade. Not to mention the millions needed to collect and remove the algae during the long months of the seaweed season.
According to official data, the Mexican Caribbean has seen a reduction of up to 11.6 percent in the gross domestic product (GDP) in recent years due to sargassum.
Forum Agenda
The forum will be held on July 18-19 in the resort city of Cancun.
On July 18, in three groups, attendees will address 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 to companies interested in purchasing their products.
On July 19, visitors will take part 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 “Political Dialogue and Cooperation Workshop – 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.