The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and Expertise France are proud to announce the official launch of the SARSEA project — Sargassum Regional Strategies for Ecosystem-based Actions — taking place on October 28–29, 2025, at the Bay Gardens Hotel in Saint Lucia.

About SARSEA

Funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented by Expertise France, SARSEA is a regional initiative designed to support Dominica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, and Grenada in developing sustainable frameworks for the management and valorization of sargassum. The project aims to foster regional cooperation and promote science-based approaches to address the growing challenges posed by sargassum influxes.

What to Expect at the Launch

The launch event will:

• Clarify the project’s goals and expected outcomes
• Enhance visibility and stakeholder engagement
• Ensure inclusive feedback from all relevant actors
• Strengthen institutional support for long-term impact

Collective Scientific Assessment Workshop

In parallel with the launch, a scientific workshop will be held to assess the current state of knowledge on sargassum. Coordinated by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), this workshop will bring together international experts from diverse research backgrounds to:

• Review existing scientific data
• Identify knowledge gaps and unexplored areas
• Develop actionable policy recommendations

This first meeting will also define the scope and key questions of the scientific assessment in collaboration with regional stakeholders.

---

Save the Date: October 28–29, 2025
Location: Bay Gardens Hotel, Saint Lucia