The Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, the Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing sargassum valorisation in Grenada.
This landmark agreement underscores Grenada’s commitment to transforming the challenges posed by sargassum influxes into sustainable economic opportunities that benefit local communities and the national economy.
The MoU outlines key areas of collaboration, including supply chain development, market development, and investment mobilisation, all geared toward establishing a commercially viable and environmentally responsible sargassum value chain.
The signing took place during a week-long participatory workshop hosted by the Grenada National Sargassum Task Force (GNSTF), the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States and the OECS, and the ITC. The workshop convened stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector and academia, with the aim of planning and activating activities that will unlock sustainable economic opportunities from sargassum valorisation.
This initiative is supported through the EU-funded Food Security Programme in the Caribbean, implemented by the ITC. Through this programme, the ITC is strengthening the socio-economic resilience of coastal communities, fisherfolk, and MSMEs by fostering sustainable economic opportunities in the Blue Economy.
Grenada is a key partner under the EU Grenada National Task Force for Sargassum, established under the EU Global Gateway initiative. The Task Force is spearheading efforts to develop a sustainable and commercially viable sargassum value chain that benefits all segments of society.
In her opening statement, Permanent Secretary Peron Johnson, Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy, reaffirmed the Government of Grenada’s unwavering commitment to collaborative action and innovation: “Today marks a pivotal moment in our national efforts to transform sargassum from a coastal challenge into an economic opportunity. Our approach must be rooted in science, driven by partnership, and anchored in sustainability. We are here not simply to discuss solutions, but to co-create them. By working together, government, industry, communities, and international partners, we can build a sargassum value chain that enhances resilience, creates livelihoods, and protects our marine ecosystems.”
She further emphasised the importance of inclusive planning and the role of MSMEs and coastal communities in driving meaningful change.
During the closing ceremony, Permanent Secretary Javan Williams, Ministry of the Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, highlighted the importance of sustaining the momentum generated throughout the workshop: “This week has demonstrated what is possible when knowledge, experience, and innovation converge. The insights shared and the partnerships strengthened here lay the groundwork for a future where sargassum is not a burden but a catalyst for new industries and improved livelihoods. The signing of the MoU signals our shared determination to advance a sustainable and resilient Blue Economy for Grenada. Let us carry this momentum forward and continue working together to ensure that every opportunity within the sargassum value chain is realised.”
In partnership with the EU Global Gateway, ITC remains committed to supporting Caribbean nations in building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable blue economies where environmental stewardship is aligned with economic growth and community empowerment.
The Government of Grenada, through its ministries and national task force, will continue to work closely with the ITC and regional partners to ensure a coordinated, strategic, and impactful approach to sargassum valorisation.
Ministry of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy
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