The UK government is making funding available for research into the sargassum
seaweed and entities in Antigua and Barbuda are being encouraged to apply.
In a recent response to requests from Caribbean leaders, the UK has launched a call
for research proposals on Sargassum seaweed. Recent influx of Sargassum
threatens the region’s marine ecosystems, economy, and public health. The UK
invites partners to submit proposals for up to £300k (USD$374k) before October
10, 2023.
In a media release, the UK High Commission said the research should advance
commercial, scalable, safe solutions to process, sink or store. Finding solutions to
Sargassum influxes could be vital to the Caribbean’s sustainable development and
climate resilience.
Resident British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, Lindsy Thompson said,
“We all appreciate the awful effects the Sargassum has on people’s livelihoods and
wellbeing and individuals or groups with brilliant ideas for research are
encouraged to take advantage of this UK funding opportunity.”
More details on the Sargassum call for proposals are available here
https://www.gov.uk/international-development-funding/caribbean-sargassum-
advancing-commercial-scalable-processing-or-storage
Meanwhile, in the run-up to COP28, and the 4th International Conference on SIDS
in 2024, the UK Government continues to advocate on behalf of SIDS. We are
committed to building global consensus to support SIDS to address their unique
vulnerabilities and to grow resilient economies.
The UK is one of the leading actors to work for systems suited to small states,
including in the GCF, where we are pushing to increase access to climate finance
for SIDS. The UK is also supporting SIDS through our £500m (USD$624) Blue
Planet Fund, including through initiatives such as our £36m (USD$45m)
Sustainable Blue Economies programme.
The UK Government recognises that SIDS are global leaders in climate action and
have a vital role in pressuring the big emitters to act. The UK is committed to
delivering the promises of the Glasgow Climate Pact, including action on climate
finance and addressing loss and damage.
