LocationsFive Caribbean countries are set to strengthen their national response to recurring sargassum influxes
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Receives Equipment for Sargassum Management through Japan-funded Project
February 20, 2026
(L-R): Mr. Cuthbert Knights, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation; Mrs. Stephanie Ziebell, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative; Hon. Conroy Huggins Minister of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience; Israel Bruce Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation; Mrs. Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard Chief Fisheries Officer; Mr. Anthony Regisford, Honorary Consul of Japan for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
UNDP Barbados and Eastern Caribbean/Yajaira Archibald
KINGSTOWN, SAINT VINCENT, 19 February 2026 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has received equipment under the Improving National Sargassum Management Capacities in the Caribbean project – one of five Caribbean countries benefitting from the delivery of essential machinery that will strengthen national response to recurring sargassum influxes.
The regional initiative was funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in close coordination with national agencies responsible for coastal and environmental management in each country.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is in line for a tailored package of onshore and nearshore equipment to enhance the country’s ability to collect, remove, transport, and safely dispose of sargassum. The handover ceremony was held today at the Modern Port in Kingstown and attended by officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, the United Nations Development Programme and the Embassy of Japan.
The project focused on boosting national mechanisms for sargassum response by combining equipment procurement with capacity building, technical training, and site‑specific management plans, developed with technical support from UNDP and regional partners. The project has also advanced scientific monitoring efforts, including the use of drones and GIS technologies, and supported multiple regional dialogues and knowledge‑sharing activities.
Minister of Fisheries, Hon. Conroy Huggins, said the project marks a shift from short-term, reactive responses to a more coordinated and strategic approach to managing sargassum. He highlighted the importance of collaboration across the Eastern Caribbean and emphasized that national institutions have a key role to play in embedding the management plan and equipment into national policies and budget priorities.
“As we face early signs of new arrivals along our shores, we are prepared and ready. The responsibility now rests with us to use these tools wisely, transparently, and collaboratively in service of our people, our livelihoods, and our environment," he asserted.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Transformation, Hon. Israel Bruce, noted that sargassum - once viewed as an isolated environmental phenomenon - has become a recurring challenge with far‑reaching impacts on fisheries, tourism, rural livelihoods, and public health. He emphasized that the issue transcends individual sectors and must be addressed as a manageable risk through science‑based approaches, strategic planning, appropriate technology, and strong partnerships to advance rural transformation and strengthen national resilience.
A partnership for coastal resilience
Honorary Consul of Japan to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mr. Anthony Regisford, outlined Japan’s longstanding cooperation with Caribbean countries and highlighted its commitment to strengthen financial support globally towards mitigation and finance on climate change by 2035.
“Japan intends to continue support in both economic growth and climate action by deploying the advanced adaptation technologies of its private sector to developing countries and nations highly vulnerable to climate change,” he said, adding, “Japan remains committed to fostering cooperation that delivers long-term, positive impact to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is my sincere hope that the sargassum equipment is efficiently and carefully and that it will continue to contribute to a safe and healthy coastal environment for many years while serving as a steadfast symbol of friendship from the Government and People of Japan.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Stephanie Ziebell, commended the strong partnership shown throughout the project and highlighted its multifaceted approach to support early detection and data-driven decision-making. She said, "This combination of training, planning, and equipment ensures that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not merely reacting to sargassum, but building long-term, sustainable readiness. This is in keeping with UNDP’s focus on supporting systemic change, through integrated development solutions driven by national priorities."
UNDP continues to work with regional governments to ensure that the equipment and training provided strengthen long‑term national response systems and provide benefits that extend well beyond the project.
The other countries participating in this regional initiative are Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
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