The UK has responded to requests from Caribbean leaders by launching a call for research proposals on Sargassum seaweed.

The recent surge of Sargassum threatens the marine ecosystems, economy, and public health of the region.

The UK is inviting partners to submit proposals for up to £300k (USD$374k) before the 10th of October. The research should aim to advance commercial, scalable, and safe solutions to process, sink, or store Sargassum.

Finding solutions to Sargassum influxes could be crucial to the Caribbean’s sustainable development and climate resilience.

Lindsy Thompson, the Resident British Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, said, “We all appreciate the terrible effects the Sargassum has on people’s livelihoods and well-being, and individuals or groups with excellent research ideas are encouraged to take advantage of this UK funding opportunity.”

In the lead-up to COP28 and the 4th International Conference on SIDS in 2024, the UK government continues to advocate for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The UK is committed to building a global consensus to support SIDS in addressing their unique vulnerabilities and developing resilient economies.

The UK is one of the leading actors in working towards systems suitable for small states, including the Green Climate Fund (GCF), where the UK is pushing to increase access to climate finance for SIDS.

The UK is also supporting SIDS through its Blue Planet Fund, which has a £500m (USD$624) budget, including initiatives such as the Sustainable Blue Economies programme which has a £36m (USD$45m) budget.

The UK government recognises that SIDS a global leader in climate action and have a vital role in pressuring the largest emitters to act.

The UK is committed to delivering on the promises of the Glasgow Climate Pact, including action on climate finance and addressing loss and damage.