Seaweed diplomacy: Mexico and Japan to tackle sargassum crisis in new joint program

Mexico and Japan have agreed to collaborate on a joint program aimed at addressing the growing influx of sargassum onto Mexico's Caribbean beaches. Japan will contribute advanced ocean-monitoring technology, specialized equipment, and financial support. The collaboration aims to promote research and business development, focusing on converting sargassum into valuable products such as fertilizer, biofuels, building materials, and soap.

Japan will also provide sargassum-collecting vessels and satellite monitoring technology, as well as technical training through its International Cooperation Agency. The project will involve academic research and business-oriented initiatives, with the goal of enhancing marine conservation, integrated coastal management, and mitigating negative impacts on fisheries, public health, and tourism.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco and his Japanese counterpart, Toshimitsu Motegi, on August 3. President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged 2 billion pesos (US $115 million) in federal funds to combat the sargassum influx in Quintana Roo. The two nations will host the EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum in October, focusing on regional cooperation, circular economy solutions, and sargassum-harvesting technology.