CARIBBEAN-SARGASSUM-OECS participates in study tour to explore solutions for sargassum influx in the region.

The St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission Monday said the sub-regional grouping is dedicated to promoting sustainable solutions for environmental and development challenges.

It noted in particular, the brown colour and fowl stench of sargassum algae that has periodically plagued beaches in the Caribbean in recent years, impacting sea life, tourism and livelihoods of those who work in the blue economy.

Sargassum on a beach in the Caribbean (File Photo)

The Commission said in keeping to this commitment, representatives of the OECS participated in a study tour with the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland and AlgalTek, an algae production company.

The OECS team was led by Ambassador Colin Murdoch of the OECS Mission in Geneva as well as colleagues from OECS Commission here.

The Paul Sherrer Institute (PSI) is a leading research institute for natural and engineering science while AlgalTek specialises in algae products, algae bioproducts, research, consulting, and development.

'AlgalTek has an aim to produce high-quality products from algae biomass in an environmentally friendly manner, including food, cosmetics, packaging and other materials,' the...