Project Detail |
The project aims to limit the impact of Sargassum strandings in the Caribbean and to stimulate regional dynamics for the structuring of a framework for the management and development of Sargassum. CONTEXT The Caribbean is affected by massive flows of sargassum leading to accumulation on the coasts. The decomposition of stranded sargassum leads to the degradation of coastal ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs), excess mortality of marine biodiversity, accelerated coastal erosion and soil pollution due in particular to the presence of heavy metals. The massive arrival of sargassum also threatens key economic sectors (tourism, fishing), as well as the health and well-being of coastal populations (emission of toxic gases during decomposition). The consequences of these strandings require concerted management by public and private actors and innovative solutions to protect these fragile ecosystems and coastal communities. DESCRIPTION The aim of the project is to limit the negative impacts of Sargassum strandings on local economies, communities and coastal ecosystems. To achieve this, the project targets three main objectives: Strengthen regional cooperation to harmonize planning methodologies and management approaches in the small islands of the Caribbean; Assisting small islands to implement integrated sargassum management and recovery operations in Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Support regional scientific cooperation to maximize global understanding of the sargassum phenomenon and inform the development of public policies validated by research. The project also includes a cross-cutting gender objective, aiming to integrate this dimension into sargassum management and recovery operations. The project is led by Expertise France . |