Expertise France and the Guadeloupe Region have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening their collaboration in tackling the massive influxes of sargassum, a major environmental phenomenon that has been persistently affecting Caribbean territories. 

This agreement is part of the implementation of two major initiatives: the SARSEA project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France (EF), and the SARG’COOP II program led by the Guadeloupe Region with support from INTERREG funds of European Union. 

Vice–president of the Environmental commission at the Guadeloupe Region, Ms. Gustave–dit-Duflo stated: “The SARG’COOP II program and the SARSEA project represent approximately €13 million in investments. Because our two programmes should work in synergy not in competition – to create strong levers for action, we have committed to this partnership agreement. The partners therefore undertake to work in synergy and with full transparency to avoid duplication; to share data, studies, and deliverables in order to strengthen regional coherence; to co-organise regional and international events to enhance visibility and advocacy in sargassum management; to jointly support local and regional stakeholders, including private sector actors, NGOs, and public authorities; and to ensure that socio–economic considerations and the involvement of women are integrated into in all actions.” 

Acting in synergy to address a major regional challenge 

Faced with the intensification and recurrence of sargassum strandings, the two partners have chosen to establish closc cooperation in order to avoid duplication of efforts and maximise the impact of their interventions. 

The Memorandum of Understanding notably provides for: 

⚫ strengthened technical and institutional coordination, 

the sharing of data, expertise, and innovative solutions. 

the co–organisation of regional and international events, 

support for scientific research and the valorisation of sargassum. 

The shared objective is clear: to limit the impacts of sargassum on communities, local economies, and coastal ecosystems, while contributing to a better overall understanding of the phenomenon. 

“Through the SARSEA project, and in close coordination with the Guadeloupe Region within the framework of the SARG’COOP project, Expertise France is proud to support the implementation of integrated sargassum management, to contribute–whenever possible to the development of an integrated and resilient sargassum value chain, and to promote regional scientific cooperation in order to improve the overall understanding of this phenomenon and support the development of research-based public policies. Expertise France is thus strengthening its commitment to the Caribbean region and overseas territories, notably by mobilising French institutional expertise present in the territory.” said Mathilde de Williencourt, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Development Department of Expertise France. 

Shared governance for sustainable action 

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes joint governance mechanisms, including regular coordination meetings and alignment with existing regional initiatives. This approach ensures coherent, effective, and sustainable action. 

By combining their expertise and resources, Caribbean territories and Expertise France aim to make the fight against sargassum a driver of regional cooperation, innovation, and resilience across the Caribbean.