Japan helping to find solutions to Sargassum seaweed challenge

Barbados is one of five Caribbean nations set to benefit from a multimillion-dollar project intended to find solutions to the growing problem of Sargassum seaweed.

The Japanese Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, have pledged support in the form of 12.3 million dollars towards “The Project For Improving National Sargassum Management Capacities In The Caribbean”.

While Sargassum is currently being used in Barbados’ agriculture industry, Minister of Environment and National Beautification Adrian Forde is urging Barbadians to explore the potential benefits of the industry.

He made these remarks at the official signing ceremony at UN House.

The three-year grant-aid project is being financed by the Japanese Government and implemented by United Nations Development Project.

St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago are among the countries expected to benefit.

These countries will be supplied with equipment and technical support to assist with  the collection, removal, transport and disposal of Sargassum seaweed.

Japanese Ambassador H.E Teruhiko Shinada, believes this project will play a critical role in the Caribbean’s post COVID-19 recovery.