The Department of Blue Economy participated in the African Day of Seas and Oceans 2024, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from July 22 to 25, 2024. The African Day of Seas and Oceans is an annual event dedicated to promoting the sustainable management and conservation of Africa’s marine and coastal resources, celebrating the vital role they play in the continent’s environment and economy. This year’s event was held under the empowering theme, “Empowering Africa’s Blue Renaissance,” highlighting the critical need for sustainable practices and innovation within the blue economy sector.
The delegation, led by Principal Secretary for Blue Economy, Mrs. Phillianne Ernesta, included Ms. Gabriella Gonthier, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, and Ms. Kym Samy, Programme Development Officer. Their participation underscored Seychelles’ commitment to advancing sustainable ocean development and sustainable blue economy practices across Africa.
On the first day of Africa Blue Economy Week, Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferrari, delivered a virtual opening statement that resonated with the event’s theme. Minister Ferrari emphasized how the theme “Empowering Africa’s Blue Renaissance” aligns with the recent celebration of the Seychelles’ Blue Economy Day which was under the theme: “People and the Ocean: A Sustainable and Symbiotic Relationship.” Both themes underscored the interdependence between humanity and the marine environment, advocating for sustainable practices to ensure the health and preservation of both.
Minister Ferrari further highlighted Seychelles’ pioneering role in the development of the Sustainable Ocean Management (SOM) education program. An initiative, aimed at fostering advocacy and education, which Seychelles envisions to extend beyond its shores, with aspirations to influence the entire African continent. Furthermore, the Minister acknowledged and celebrated Seychelles’ historic achievement as the first African nation to ratify the BBNJ treaty, which can be used as a guiding light to set a precedent for other African countries.
On the second day, the Department of Blue Economy presented a case study on the Seychelles Blue Bonds during a panel discussion titled “Financing Blue Economy Initiatives: Opportunities and Challenges.” Ms. Gabriella Gonthier, representing the Department of Blue Economy, elaborated on the structure, benefits, and challenges of the Seychelles Blue Bond initiative, which has become a model for sustainable finance in the blue economy sector.
The final day, which marked the African Day of Seas and Oceans, witnessed the Principle Secretary of the Blue Economy – Mrs. Ernesta deliver the closing remarks that emphasized future collaborations between the African states and the African Union. She highlighted the crucial role of South-South cooperation in enhancing existing North-South alliances, stressing that this partnership is vital for advancing Africa’s Blue Renaissance.
Mrs. Ernesta urged all stakeholders to uphold their roles and responsibilities, reinforcing the importance of working collectively to implement the commitments and strategies discussed throughout the week. She concluded with a call to action for wise and sustainable management of marine resources to ensure a thriving future for generations to come.
The African Blue Economy Week provided an invaluable platform for the Department of Blue Economy to engage in potential bilateral discussions and to reinforce its position as a champion of the Blue Economy. The event facilitated important dialogues aimed at fostering stronger regional cooperation and advancing sustainable ocean management practices across Africa.
The Department of Blue Economy remains committed to contributing towards the development of the Blue Economy sector and continued collaboration with African and global partners to ensure the sustainable development and conservation of marine resources.
