EU–Caribbean Conference advances dialogue on a regional sargassum value chain

The 4th EU–Caribbean Global Gateway Sargassum Conference: Shaping a Caribbean Sargassum Value Chain was held on 1 and 2 October 2026 in Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Focused on advancing coordinated responses to recurring sargassum influxes, the event explored how stronger collaboration, investment and innovation can support the development of a sustainable and scalable regional value chain. The AIR Centre participated in the conference, engaging with public authorities, regional organisations, research institutions and private sector stakeholders from Europe and the Caribbean, while contributing to discussions on monitoring, data systems and regional cooperation.

The conference opened with remarks from Mara Lezama Espinosa, Governor of the State of Quintana Roo; Myriam Ferrán, Deputy Director-General for International Partnerships at the European Commission; Armando Paíno Henríquez, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of the Dominican Republic; and Alicia Bárcena Ibarra, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico.

On the second day, AIR Centre's Head of Headquarters and Development Engineer, Mariana Ávila, joined the breakout discussion "Sargassum Collection, Management and Supply", part of the session Pathways to Scale: Turning into a Functioning Regional Sargassum Value Chain.

The discussion focused on the first stage of the regional sargassum value chain, examining how collection, management, monitoring, logistics and supply systems can be strengthened to move from fragmented responses towards a more coordinated regional approach. Key topics included operational planning, traceability, transport and handling, safety, regulatory frameworks and opportunities for regional coordination.

As a lead discussant, Mariana Ávila contributed the AIR Centre's perspective on the role of monitoring, traceability and data systems in supporting a reliable and transparent sargassum supply chain. The session also identified priority actions, collaboration opportunities and areas where investment and regional coordination can help strengthen the value chain over the coming years.

Facilitated by Jorge Atala and Jesús Herrera Arango, the breakout brought together representatives from regional organisations, industry and research institutions, including Jimena Cuevas Portilla of the Association of Caribbean States, John Auckland, CEO and Co-Founder of SeaFields, and Frans Duwaer, Managing Partner of Oceanus International.

The outcomes were presented during the conference plenary, contributing to a broader dialogue on practical actions needed to support long-term and sustainable sargassum management across the Caribbean. Through its participation, the AIR Centre reinforced its commitment to supporting data-driven approaches and international cooperation to address shared environmental challenges in the Atlantic and Caribbean regions.

The AIR Centre also acknowledges the support of the Portuguese Embassy in Mexico, particularly the Portuguese Ambassador to Mexico, and Ana Fonseca, from Camões, I.P., whose assistance helped facilitate its participation in this important regional forum.