From June 23 to 25, 2026, nearly 300 researchers are expected at the University of the Antilles for the symposium «Chlordecone: Understanding & Taking Action.» On June 26, a “Chlor’acteurs Village” will open a dialogue with the general public. This four-day event, supported by the Chlordecone Strategy, aims to bring together research, public action, and community outreach.
Martinique is preparing to host, next June, one of the highlights of the French campaign against chlordecone. The event, «Chlordecone: Understanding & Taking Action,» will be held at the University of the Antilles and will consist of two complementary parts: a three-day scientific symposium, followed by a day open to the general public.
Three days to take stock of the research
From June 23 to 25, the scientific symposium will be organized by the National Scientific Steering Committee (CPSN), with support from the Prefecture of Martinique, as part of the Chlordecone Strategy. It will bring together nearly 300 researchers working in various fields of research related to the molecule. The stated objective is threefold: to share the latest scientific knowledge, to foster dialogue between disciplines and stakeholders, and to strengthen the links between research and public policy, with a view to collaborative development.
Three major themes will guide the discussions. The first will focus on contamination of the environment and food chains, as well as new data on population exposure. The second will address health impacts on both ecosystems and populations, with a particular focus on women’s health and related social issues. The third will be devoted to innovations aimed at reducing risks, particularly soil remediation, a strategic issue for the agricultural and residential future of the Antilles.
While the conference is primarily aimed at the scientific community as well as government officials and elected representatives from Martinique and Guadeloupe, it will also be streamed live and free of charge to all citizens upon registration.
On June 26, a Chlor’acteurs Village open to everyone
The day after the symposium, on June 26, the general public will take the lead. The Chlor’acteurs Village will bring together numerous organizations and partners working on the chlordecone issue. Visitors of all ages will be able to participate in educational activities to better understand the risks, learn how to protect themselves in their daily lives, and find out about the support services available.
This event is organized by the Prefecture of Martinique and the Regional Health Agency as part of the chlordecone strategy. The detailed program and list of partners will be published shortly.
«Understand, Share, and Take Action»
Edwige Duclay, the project director in charge of coordinating the Chlordecone IV Plan, who is in Martinique this week to finalize preparations for the meeting with her partners, summarizes the goal of this phase: «Our goal is to promote dialogue, understand and share scientific advances, and, above all, take effective action to limit the risks posed by chlordecone.».
Beyond the event itself, the challenge is to embed this scientific initiative within a long-term regional framework that integrates knowledge production, public policy, and citizen engagement on an issue that will have a lasting impact on Martinique and Guadeloupe.
IN PRACTICE
Scientific Symposium: June 23–25, 2026, University of the Antilles, Martinique.
Chlor’acteurs Village: June 26, 2026; open to everyone; free.
Registration and program: chlordecone2026.fr
Learn more about the chlordecone strategy: www.chlordecone-info.fr
