Sargassum in Mexico: environmental challenges and sustainable solutions

Sargassum is a macroalgae that floats freely on the surface of the Atlantic Ocean and can form large floating expanses stretching thousands of kilometres. It is currently estimated that approximately 90,000 tonnes of sargassum are present at sea, with 10% of these reaching Mexico. In 2026, a greater presence of sargassum was recorded on the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. Its growing spread poses significant environmental and socioeconomic challenges, with repercussions on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, tourism and local economies. The panel will analyse the current situation, its main impacts and the measures adopted by the various stakeholders involved in addressing the phenomenon. Solutions for the collection, treatment and valorisation of sargassum will also be explored in depth, with particular attention to the opportunities offered by the circular economy and sustainable waste management. In this context, the panel will also explore possibilities for cooperation and commercial, technological and scientific exchange between Italy and Mexico, fostering dialogue between companies, organisations and experts from both countries for the development of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Program

Moderators:
Angela Pagano, Head of Institutional Relations, Kyoto Club (TBC)
Francesco Ferrante, Vice President, Kyoto Club (TBC)

Speakers:
Letizia Magaldi, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Mexico in Italy
Andrea Catino, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of Mexico in Italy
Fonatur, Director Sebastián Ramírez Mendoza (TBC)
Stefano Pisani, Mayor of Pollica

Miras Energia - A company specialising in the development of renewable energy through unconventional, innovative and sustainable solutions, and creator of the biogas plant for Posidonia oceanica (TBC)

Anaergia - With over 1,500 installations in more than 20 countries across 4 continents, Anaergia offers global expertise in the sectors of municipal solid waste, wastewater resource recovery, agri-food processing and industrial wastewater (TBC)

Retina Holding - Saverio Parisi, Construction Director of Retina Biometano, a company that develops, builds and manages technological plants for the production of biomethane (TBC)

Grupo Ensol/Carbonwave - collects and manages sargassum to transform it into advanced and sustainable biomaterials, such as biostimulants for agriculture and emulsifiers (TBC)

Conclusion and Q&A
Andrea Catino, Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce of Mexico in Italy