Invasive sargassum accumulating on Caribbean beaches is collected and processed into building blocks composed of approximately 40% sargassum and 60% other organic material. The blocks are sun-dried and used to construct affordable houses, including homes donated to low-income families. The initiative also creates employment connected to beach cleaning, block production and construction.
From invasive seaweed to brick – Sargablock
Invasive Caribbean sargassum becomes sun-dried building blocks in Mexico, providing affordable housing and inclusive jobs for coastal communities.
Transformation
Operating primarily in the practical sphere, with personal and emerging political dimensions, it connects coastal management, circular construction, employment, affordable housing and social inclusion. By turning excessive stranded sargassum into construction material and donated housing, it may encourage replication and changes in construction, procurement, housing and coastal-management policies.
Equity
Houses have been donated to people with limited resources, including older people and single women. The initiative creates local livelihoods, employing people with disabilities, people recovering from addiction and others experiencing barriers to employment. Community members also participate in making blocks and crowdfunding houses.
Biodiversity
Removing sargassum may reduce local damage caused by large decomposing accumulations, including obstruction of light and oxygen, deterioration of nearshore water quality and impacts on coastal and coral ecosystems. Converting collected biomass into a durable product can also reduce disposal in landfills and demand for more environmentally intensive construction materials.
