Mexico, Dominican Republic propose joint efforts to fight sargassum seaweed
Hotel workers are struggling to keep beaches clean as mountains of pungent, decomposing sargassum accumulate on Caribbean coasts, releasing irritant gases, smothering marine ecosystems and hitting occupancy rates at seaside resorts.
Atlantic sargassum blooms, a type of algae, have dramatically increased over the past decade, fueled by nutrient pollution exacerbated by deforestation, warmer ocean temperatures and changes in sea currents pushing the spread westwards into the Caribbean.
"They proposed the creation of a bilateral inter-institutional roundtable between both countries' foreign and environment ministries to address the environmental threat posed by sargassum," the Dominican government said in a statement.
The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates tourism could boost the economies of Mexico and the Dominican Republic by $281 billion and $21 billion respectively in 2025, both breaking fresh records and representing about 15% of GDP.
In June, scientists at Mexico's UNAM university warned of sargassum levels close to double 2018 peaks, adding that some 10%— or 400,000 metric tons— could hit Caribbean coastlines throughout 2025. A quarter could arrive in Mexico, they said.
Several nations are looking to repurpose sargassum into usable materials such as biofuels, fertilizers and bioplastics, but removing toxins and heavy metals such as arsenic from the seaweed is costly and research remains in early stages.
There has been limited funding for projects seeking to repurpose sargassum, and the unpredictability of its blooms remains a barrier to investors looking for consistent harvests.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 hours ago
- Time of India
Adidas sandal Oaxaca Slip On controversy: Why has designer said sorry in public?
Mexican-American clothing designer Willy Chavarria has apologised for an Adidas sandal he created after being accused by Mexican authorities of 'cultural appropriation' for imitating an Indigenous shoe design. The design launched by Adidas, known as the Oaxaca Slip On, is a black sandal with braided leather straps attached to a chunky sports shoe sole. Mexican artisans and authorities say the intricate leather braids look strikingly similar to the traditional footwear known as huaraches made by the Zapotec Indigenous people in Oaxaca, produced mostly in the town of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag. They have accused the brand and Chavarria of 'cultural appropriation' and of copying the design without the permission of the Indigenous community. Authorities were quick to note that cultural Mexican designs have long been copied by major brands before, and said they planned to tighten laws to protect Mexican designs. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Chavarria responded to mounting criticisms in comments sent to The Associated Press on Tuesday. In a statement addressed to the 'people of Oaxaca,' he said that the design was intended to 'to honour the powerful cultural and artistic spirit of Oaxaca and its creative communities — a place whose beauty and resistance have inspired me.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Undo 'I am deeply sorry that the shoe was appropriated in this design and not developed in direct and meaningful partnership with the Oaxacan community,' Chavarria wrote. 'This falls short of the respect and collaborative approach that Oaxaca, the Zapotec community of Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, and its people deserve.' Chavarria is a Mexican-American designer, who has risen to fame for his designs exploring Chicano, or Mexican-American, culture, often mixing Mexican themes with American products. His designs include sweaters reading 'Chicano' in red, scripted font, and styles with the Mexican flag and cowboy hats reminiscent of northern Mexican culture. Live Events In recent months, Chavarria also was put in the spotlight for a show at Paris Fashion Week that was intended as criticism of the Trump administration's deportation policy. Chavarria's comments came days after Adidas made a public apology for the design, and in a statement said it was reaffirming 'our commitment to collaborate with Yalalag in a respectful dialogue that honors their cultural legacy.' Last week, in a letter to Oaxacan state officials, the company requested to sit down with local officials and to discuss how it can 'repair the damage' to Indigenous populations. 'Adidas recognises and values the cultural richness of Mexico's Indigenous communities and the meaning of their artisanal heritage,' it wrote in a statement. FAQs Q1. What is name of controversial Adidas sandal? A1. The name of controversial Adidas sandal is Oaxaca Slip On. Q2. Who is Willy Chavarria? A2. Willy Chavarria is Mexican-American clothing designer.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
No Tariffs On Visitors. Attract Them
No Tariffs On Visitors. Attract Them Ashish DhawanSwagato Ganguly Aug 12, 2025, 21:28 IST IST Trump is threatening India's exports. A smart response would be to make tourism a big dollar earner. Earnings can go up to $100bn from current $28bn. Plus, expanded tourism can create 2.5mn direct jobs The travel bug is global. Tourism is no longer a seasonal or elite pursuit but an essential engine of inclusive economic growth. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that tourism supported 357mn jobs in 2024 – roughly one in ten globally – and contributed 10% of global GDP. Moreover, given tariff pressures the Indian economy is facing from Trump, global tourism has the additional advantage of being tariff-proof. India, with its natural and cultural wealth, is uniquely positioned to ride this global wave. From Himalayas to beaches of Goa and mangroves of Sundarbans to hot desert of Rajasthan or the cold desert of Ladakh, India offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. At 573, it boasts the largest number of wildlife sanctuaries, the third-highest number of national parks (116), and 43 Unesco World Heritage Sites. Add to this its cultural and culinary diversity and widespread use of English – the global lingua franca – and India becomes a compelling destination.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
Korean chip makers fear price pressure on components if high tariffs are imposed on end products
Seoul: South Korea's electronic component makers are bracing for tough months ahead as Washington moves closer to imposing new tariffs on a wide range of technology products. The Korean Herald reported that the biggest uncertainty lies in whether semiconductors embedded in finished products such as smartphones and personal computers will be exempt from the proposed tariffs. While US President Donald Trump's "100% tariff on semiconductors" might be waived for giants like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix because of their investment in US chip plants, suppliers fear the relief may not extend to devices containing those chips. "The US may grant semiconductor tariff exemptions, but those are likely to apply only to products exported directly to the US," the report quoted Han Ah-reum, a researcher at the Korea International Trade Association. "The exemption may not apply for finished goods, making the scope of exemptions a critical issue going forward." The US Department of Commerce is set to announce its list of semiconductor-related derivative products after a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act. In April, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted that smartphones, computers and other electronics could face separate tariffs to boost local production. If such tariffs hit consumer electronics, companies like Samsung and LG could see reduced profitability, with the impact trickling down to parts makers. Samsung Display CEO Yi Chung warned, "If tariffs from the US raise the prices of finished products, that could lead to downward pressure on display and other component prices. We are watching the situation closely." Industry officials caution that higher prices could dampen already weak consumer sentiment in the US, slowing demand and creating a chain reaction that hurts semiconductor and component sales worldwide. "If smartphones and PCs are categorized as semiconductor derivative products, maintaining the current retail prices will be difficult," said one official on condition of anonymity. Amid the uncertainty, suppliers are reviewing their production strategies. "Apple has recently unveiled large-scale investment plans in the US in a bid to ramp up domestic production, signalling an ongoing reshuffle of global supply chains," the official added. Korean manufacturers have already been through multiple tariff disputes, from delays in Samsung Electro-Mechanics' Mexican plant plans to steep duties in Vietnam that were later reduced through negotiations.
