From June 1 to 4, 2026, Martinique and Guadeloupe will host a delegation from nine Caribbean States and Territories that are members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as part of a study mission focused on sargassum management and value-added uses.
Supported by the European Union and the OECS, this visit forms part of a broader regional cooperation effort aimed at sharing expertise and strengthening collective responses to a common environmental, economic and public health challenge.
Since 2011, recurring sargassum influxes have had a lasting impact on coastal ecosystems, biodiversity and the socio-economic resilience of Caribbean Small Island Developing States. In response to this ongoing challenge, Martinique and Guadeloupe have developed innovative approaches to monitoring, collection, risk management and the development of solutions linked to the reuse and valorizations of sargassum.
Over four days, representatives from Caribbean States and Territories will observe these initiatives firsthand, engage with stakeholders in Martinique and Guadeloupe, and explore opportunities for enhanced regional collaboration.
The goal is to learn from existing best practices and work together towards more coordinated regional responses.
Programme in Martinique (June 1–2) included field visits and technical exchanges.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation for a Collective Response
This mission is supported by the SARSEA project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France and the OECS Commission.
SARSEA says it aims to strengthen technical capacities, governance frameworks and ecosystem-based approaches to sargassum management throughout the Caribbean.
The mission also reflects the commitment of territories to share their experience with neighbouring Caribbean territories in a spirit of cooperation, solidarity and collective innovation.
The mission also reflects the commitment of the territories to share their experience with neighbouring Caribbean territories in a spirit of cooperation, solidarity and collective innovation.
As one OECS representative participating in the mission noted:
“Sargassum does not recognize borders. By combining our knowledge, expertise and resources, we can
better protect our coastlines, our economies and our communities.”
This mission is co-organised by the OECS, the European Union through the Global Gateway programme, and the local authorities of Martinique and Guadeloupe, with technical support from Expertise France and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).