The Department of Blue Economy, in collaboration with its partners, convened a regional workshop on the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and its relevance to the Seychelles–Mauritius Joint Management Area (JMA) on 30 July 2026.
The workshop brought together government officials, technical experts and representatives from both Seychelles and Mauritius to strengthen their understanding of the BBNJ Agreement, explore how it can complement the existing Joint Management Area framework, and identify opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation in ocean governance.
The Joint Management Area, jointly administered by Seychelles and Mauritius, represents a unique model of international cooperation in the sustainable management of shared marine resources. As the BBNJ Agreement enters its implementation phase, the workshop provided a timely opportunity to examine how its provisions can support and strengthen existing regional governance arrangements.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in technical presentations and interactive discussions on the four substantive pillars of the BBNJ Agreement, namely:
Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs), including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits;
Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs);
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs); and
Capacity Building and the Transfer of Marine Technology (CBTMT).
Discussions also focused on regional priorities and coordination ahead of the First Conference of the Parties (COP1) to the BBNJ Agreement, with participants exchanging views on implementation challenges, opportunities for collaboration, and the importance of ensuring that the interests and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are effectively represented in global decision-making processes.
In her opening remarks, the Principal Secretary for Blue Economy highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and collective action in addressing the increasing pressures facing the world’s oceans. She noted that the workshop provides an important platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and partnership-building between Seychelles and Mauritius.
“The BBNJ Joint Management Area Workshop provides a valuable platform for dialogue, learning and collaboration. It reaffirms Seychelles’ commitment to strengthening ocean governance and ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction for the benefit of present and future generations,” the Principal Secretary stated.
The workshop forms part of the Department of Blue Economy’s continued efforts to support the effective implementation of international ocean governance frameworks while promoting regional partnerships that contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources. It also reinforces Seychelles’ longstanding leadership in advancing the Blue Economy agenda and its commitment to science-based, inclusive and cooperative approaches to ocean conservation and sustainable development.
The outcomes of the workshop are expected to contribute to stronger collaboration between Seychelles and Mauritius within the Joint Management Area and to inform national and regional preparations for the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, including engagement at COP1.
