The Department of Blue Economy Seychelles and the Department of Foreign Affairs Seychelles convened a high-level meeting to strengthen institutional collaboration in advancing the national Blue Economy agenda.
The meeting was attended by SS Alain De Comarmond, PS Nibourette, DG Barbe, and Senior Programme Development Officer Gabriella Gonthier, representing the Department of Blue Economy. Representing the Department of Foreign Affairs were PS Ian Madeleine and DG Christian Faure.
Discussions centred on the Department of Blue Economy’s mandate to oversee the sustainable development and commercialisation of Seychelles’ ocean-based sectors, including the growth of existing and emerging blue businesses. The Department outlined its strategic role in supporting national development priorities through inclusive and resilient blue economy pathways.
SS Alain De Comarmond highlighted the ongoing review of the national Blue Economy Roadmap, following a decade of implementation. The revised roadmap is expected to provide enhanced recommendations and identify priority areas for investment and development, which may be shared with local, regional, and international partners.
Key sectors identified for strengthened cooperation included the circular economy, research and development, and marine biotechnology. PS Ian Madeleine noted that these areas align closely with the interests of regional and international development partners and present significant opportunities for collaboration.
The meeting further reaffirmed Seychelles’ continued leadership as Africa’s champion for the Blue Economy, a position it has successfully upheld since 2018. Both institutions underscored the importance of consolidating this leadership role through strategic partnerships and coordinated diplomacy.
Progress on the domestication of the BBNJ Agreement was also discussed, including planned capacity-building initiatives such as a regional clinic to be organised in collaboration with the World Maritime University. In addition, financing challenges related to future Preparatory Committee meetings and broader ocean governance processes were addressed, with discussions highlighting the need for sustainable funding mechanisms.
The meeting also examined the complexities surrounding financing for Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the broader Blue Economy, emphasising the importance of strengthened inter-ministerial coordination and international engagement.
Both departments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in support of a resilient, innovative, and sustainable ocean economy that delivers long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits for Seychelles.
