The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has strengthened its national response to the growing sargassum threat, following the official handover of specialized equipment through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Japan.
The initiative forms part of the “Improving National Sargassum Management Capacities in the Caribbean” project, launched in 2022 to support five regional countries in building resilience against the persistent influx of sargassum seaweed.
Funded by US$12.3 million from Japan and implemented by the UNDP, the programme combines equipment support with training, capacity building, and targeted management plans.
At a recent ceremony, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Sustainable Development received two boats, three tractors, specialized sargassum removal attachments and protective gear. The equipment is expected to significantly improve response efforts in coastal communities heavily impacted by the seaweed.
Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean UNDP Resident Representative, Limya Eltayeb, highlighted the urgency and breadth of the intervention.
“Today we are here to strengthen Saint Lucia’s efforts in addressing the challenges posed by sargassum on the coastlines. We are here not only to hand over much-needed equipment and very timely and pertinent equipment, but we are also here to reinforce national systems,” she stated.
Eltayeb emphasized that the initiative goes beyond logistics, focusing on people and livelihoods directly affected by the recurring influxes.
“We are here to support frontline responders. We are here to support local communities, fisher women, and fisher men, those who work in the tourism sector, those who are on the frontline in their daily jobs and see that being taken away wave by wave as sargassum is inundating their space,” she said.
She added that the broader goal is to safeguard multiple facets of national life, noting, “We are here to protect livelihoods, we are here to protect the environment, we are here to protect public health, we are here to protect public investments and public systems.”
Agriculture Minister Lisa Jawahir described the handover as a significant milestone rooted in international cooperation and shared responsibility.
“Today’s ceremony transcends the symbolic transfer of machinery and assets. It stands as a testament to enduring international partnerships, shared responsibility, and meaningful solidarity among nations,” she said.
Jawahir underscored the importance of the collaboration with Japan and the UNDP in strengthening the island’s preparedness.
“Through the generous financial assistance of the government and people of Japan and the technical cooperation of the United Nations Development Programme, Saint Lucia is now significantly better positioned to strengthen its national response to the growing and complex challenge of sargassum influxes,” she stated.
She further noted that the equipment represents more than operational support.
“Now this equipment being handed over today, including tractors, boats and associated operational tools, represents far more than logistical support. It embodies trust, friendship and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development,” the minister added.
The intervention comes as Caribbean nations continue to grapple with increasing volumes of sargassum, which threaten marine ecosystems, public health and key industries such as tourism and fisheries.