Seychelles recently attended the 17th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative(MBI) and the 2nd edition of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) from 27-29th May both organized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco with support from the Government of Monaco. The Seychelles delegation was led by Principal Minister Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy accompanied by Mr. Alain de Comarmond, Secretary of State for Fisheries and Blue Economy and Mr. Chrissant Barbe, Director General in the Department of Blue Economy accompanied by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Seychelles in Brussels, Mr. Kenneth Racombo.
In addition to the two events the Seychelles delegation along with the delegation from Mauritius assisted the official launch ceremony of the report ‘ Indian Ocean Expedition, 2022 Final Report’ published by the Monaco Explorations. Minister Cosgrow and Mr. Barbe (Seychelles JMA Focal Point) was invited to sign the launch of the report along with their counterparts from Mauritius. The report covers the expedition that Monaco Exploration conducted in the waters of Seychelles, Mauritius, La Reunion and the Joint-Management Area managed by Seychelles and Mauritius.
The MBI explored how to turn political ambition, scientific expertise and financial mobilisation into measurable action for the ocean. Minister Cosgrow had the opportunity to deliver a keynote speech at the event related to the segment ‘BBNJ and high seas MPAs – looking ahead’, Minister Cosgrow emphasized on Seychelles’ championing role from negotiations, leading to the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, 1st country in Africa and 4th globally and the plans ahead when it comes to domestication of the BBNJ Treaty and finally on Seychelles achieving its 30X30 marine conservation goal with the completion of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan and the plans ahead with its implementation.
The Seychelles delegation finally attended the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) attended by a variety of stakeholders predominantly the private financing sector where the subject of financing the blue economy was discussed extensively and as well as opportunities available in private capital sector and investment areas in the Blue Economy.
During both events, the Seychelles delegation also had a bilateral meeting with the Monaco Oceanographic Institute, the Monaco Exploration and had interactions with different individuals and organisations on potential future collaboration and cooperation. Minister Cosgrow also undertook several interviews with different media outlets during the events.
