Grenada studies sargassum management in Punta Cana
Sargassum management in Punta Cana has drawn international attention as Grenada works to adapt coastal protection and sargassum reuse strategies. In August 2026, a Grenadian delegation visited Punta Cana to assess floating barrier systems, collection methods, and potential uses of sargassum under the GIZ-led BioWaste Caribbean project.
Ana Solange Marte September 14, 2026
The delegation included representatives from Grenada’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Affairs, the Grenada Sargassum Cabinet, the Solid Waste Management Authority, and the International Trade Center (ITC). During the five-day visit, they met with private sector stakeholders including Fundación Grupo Puntacana, DESMI, and Bois d’Arc.
Officials observed operational installations at Marina La Yola and visited local composting and soil amendment production facilities. Technical demonstrations included barrier design, collection techniques, and sargassum processing for agricultural use.
Jake Kheel, vice president of Fundación Grupo Puntacana, explained that the organization has focused on field-tested solutions. “We’ve worked to make sargassum management practical and scalable,” he said, noting over 15 years of trial-and-error development.
Grenada’s government plans to collect up to 10,000 tons of sargassum in 2026, aiming to create economic opportunities for coastal communities. Isaac Bhagwan, permanent secretary of Grenada’s Ministry of Blue Economy, said the visit provided valuable insights to avoid costly mistakes and inform evidence-based decisions.
Clemens Findeisen, team leader of the GIZ BioWaste Caribbean project, noted that sargassum and organic waste management is a shared regional challenge and opportunity. The project supports Grenada, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica, with the Dominican Republic and Barbados participating as peer-learning partners.
For more on coastal sustainability efforts in the region, read our coverage of Punta Cana growth challenges urban planning. Also, see how tourism and infrastructure intersect in Punta Cana airport handles 49% of Dominican Republic flights.