Tides of Innovation: Charting a course from Sargassum Crisis to Blue Economy Opportunity.

By Kneyone Murray

Forging a Sustainable Future for the Caribbean

The inaugural Tides of Innovation Workshop marked a pivotal moment for Trinidad & Tobago and the wider Caribbean. By convening a dynamic group of 19 leaders from academia, government, and youth innovation networks, the event successfully transformed the conversation around the region's pressing sargassum challenge. The focus shifted decisively from costly cleanup efforts to creating valuable opportunities within a thriving Blue Economy, a mission directly aligned with the Blue Planet Alliance's (BPA) goal of helping islands achieve 100% renewable energy and sustainable independence by 2045.

Key Workshop Outcomes at a Glance

The workshop served as a powerful catalyst for collaboration and knowledge-building. Post-event metrics revealed significant progress:  84%  of participants reported a "Good understanding" of sargassum valorization, and nearly  90%  established new professional connections, laying a robust foundation for future partnerships and tangible action.

A Convergence of Expertise: Voices Shaping the Blue Economy

The workshop's agenda was built on a foundation of diverse perspectives, weaving together the science, policy, and entrepreneurship required for a holistic regional solution. Leaders from across the Caribbean shared critical insights that framed the path forward.

Policy, Partnership, and Regional Strategy

• Marissa Bradshaw (Blue Planet Alliance) & Mikayla Johnson (Island Innovation) highlighted the power of global partnerships and island-specific strategies in accelerating the clean energy transition and fostering sustainable innovation. 

• Marcia Tinto (Environmental Management Authority / Sargassum Task Force) Provided the governmental perspective on managing the sargassum crisis, outlining the regulatory frameworks necessary to support innovative valorization projects. 

• Maëlle Hunt (Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator) Emphasized the urgent need for regional adoption of climate-smart practices, driven by strategic investment and cross-border cooperation to fast-track the shift to renewables. 

From Grassroots Action to Scalable Innovation

• Khadija Stewart (EcoVybz / EcoSeas) & Sayeed Ali (Close the Loop Caribbean) Focused on local environmental stewardship and circular economy principles, demonstrating how sargassum can be integrated into practical, closed-loop waste management systems. 

• Kevan Kalapnath-Maharaj (IAMovement) shared a compelling narrative on scaling local climate action by effectively mobilizing youth and communities to drive change from the ground up. 

• Racquel Moses (Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator) Discussed the critical role of financing and policy in transforming scientific concepts into commercially viable ventures that deliver region-wide benefits. 

• Kory Hall (Climate Analytics Caribbean)Delivered an essential energy policy analysis, underscoring how data-driven decisions are fundamental to achieving the region's 100% renewable energy goals, a core focus of the Blue Planet Alliance.

From Problem to Product: The Science of Sargassum Valorization

Moving beyond policy, the workshop delved into the tangible science of transforming sargassum from a nuisance into a valuable resource. These sessions provided a scientific backbone for the economic and energy transition goals at the heart of the event.

Innovating with Bioplastics: A Sustainable Alternative

Chrystal Pereira’s presentation offered a deep dive into marine biomass transformation. Her research explored the potential of sargassum as a feedstock for bioplastics and other biopolymers. This groundbreaking work demonstrates a high-value, environmentally friendly use for a pressing local resource, offering a sustainable, locally sourced alternative to petroleum-based plastics and strengthening the economic case for the green transition.

Powering the Future: Creating Biofuel and Biochar

Further exploration into biomass valorization revealed compelling pathways for converting sargassum into high-impact end-products: biofuel and biochar. This dual approach is vital for regional resilience. The resulting biofuel directly supports the mandate for renewable energy independence, while biochar, a stable form of carbon, acts as a powerful soil amendment. This enhances agricultural productivity and sequesters carbon, collectively advancing both energy and food security.

The Blue Planet Alliance Method: Visualizing Energy Futures with LEGO® Serious Play®

A cornerstone of the workshop was the innovative session using  LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP), a powerful facilitation methodology adopted by the Blue Planet Alliance to tackle complex challenges. This hands-on approach moves beyond traditional discussion, allowing participants to build physical and visual models of their ideas.

In this session, attendees were tasked with constructing models representing national and community energy roadmaps. By using LEGO® bricks, they could physically map out the entire energy ecosystem, from generation and distribution to waste management and sargassum integration. This systems-thinking approach is central to the Blue Planet Alliance's strategy, as it empowers stakeholders to:

• Visualize Complexity:  Abstract concepts like policy frameworks and supply chains become tangible, shared models.

• Identify Roadblocks:  The physical nature of the models helps participants pinpoint bottlenecks, gaps, and dependencies that might be missed in conversation.

• Foster Collaborative Solutions:  By co-creating a single model, participants from different sectors (government, academia, youth) develop a shared understanding and language, breaking down silos and building consensus.

The LSP session proved highly effective, with participants reporting a significantly improved understanding of the intricate steps needed to build a renewable energy future. This method exemplifies BPA's commitment to ensuring all stakeholders can see, understand, and contribute to the system as a whole, making the path to 100% renewable energy a collaborative and achievable goal.

Join the Movement

We are shaping a future where sargassum becomes a driver of economic opportunity, environmental resilience, and technology-led growth in the Caribbean. Your support can help accelerate this transformation. Donations are welcome, and branded merchandise will be available soon to help fund these vital initiatives.

Donate Here: https://gofund.me/a454c6b3b

Together, we turn with the tide.

Read the Tides of Innovation final report here.