IDB supports circular economy initiatives in four CARICOM countries

Seaweed on sand at shore with light waves

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has selected projects from Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago for funding under its Sargassum Innovation Quest. This initiative, in partnership with USAID, aims to address the environmental challenges posed by sargassum, also known as seaweed (brown macroalgae), influxes along the Caribbean coast. The projects focus on waste diversion and circular economy principles by transforming sargassum into valuable resources. For example, Caribbean Chemicals will develop products for agricultural use by safely processing sargassum, while the Waste Recycling Environment Network in Belize will implement sustainable composting practices. These projects are designed to reduce waste, improve resource management, and create employment opportunities within local communities. Read the full article.

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