Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and innovation to address the sargassum problem by presenting the Santo Domingo Ministerial Declaration on the Sustainable Valorization of Sargassum.
The declaration was presented during the closing of the High-Level Global Forum on Energy Transition, held as part of the 11th Energy Week in Santo Domingo. It calls for coordinated action among Caribbean countries to develop scientifically sound, economically viable and environmentally responsible ways to manage and use sargassum.
Energy and Mines Minister Joel Santos said sargassum affects ecosystems, coastal communities and economies across national borders, making regional cooperation essential. He highlighted the potential to transform the macroalga from an environmental challenge into an opportunity for the circular economy and sustainable development, including possible energy applications.
Foreign Minister Víctor “Ito” Bisonó said the declaration seeks to turn political commitments into concrete actions through regional cooperation, research, project development and investment. He also highlighted initiatives involving government, academia, the private sector and civil society to improve sargassum monitoring, collection, processing and valorization.
Bisonó noted that the country is exploring agricultural and industrial applications, new materials and potential energy uses, provided they meet technical, environmental, health and economic standards.
He also highlighted a US$6.3 million financing package involving the European Investment Bank, the European Union and Adopem Savings and Credit Bank to provide financing and technical assistance to Dominican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the sargassum value chain.
The declaration calls for stronger cooperation among governments, research institutions, development banks, companies and international organizations to coordinate scientific research, responsible harvesting, public policies, financing and markets while maintaining environmental safeguards.