UNOC3 Seychelles: “Towards a Sustainable Ocean” Event – A Step Towards Sustainable Ocean Stewardship

Victoria, Seychelles – Friday, 6th June 2025 — The Department of the Blue Economy, in collaboration with the French Embassy and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), successfully hosted the UNOC3 Seychelles: “Towards a Sustainable Ocean” workshop at the Docklands Auditorium in Victoria, Seychelles. This event, held just before the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in France, aimed to highlight Seychelles’ stance on ocean governance, its ongoing contributions, and future directions within the context of the UNOC agenda.

The event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including several ministers, key stakeholders, and experts from various sectors. The discussions throughout the day were productive and insightful, contributing to the broader conversation on marine sustainability and Seychelles’ role in shaping global ocean policy.

Session 1: “Our Ocean, Our Future: Showcasing Efforts to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean”

The first session of the event focused on the importance of ocean conservation and the role of sustainable practices in ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystems. Presenters discussed Seychelles’ approach to achieving a balanced Blue Economy framework that fosters both socio-economic development and environmental preservation.

Key speakers included:

• Mr. Chrissant Barbe, Director General of the Blue Economy Department, outlined the department’s mandate and ongoing efforts to create a sustainable blue economy framework.
• Ms. Helena Sims, Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan (SMSP) Project Manager, provided an update on the progress of Seychelles’ Marine Spatial Planning Initiative.
• Dr. Ameer Ebrahim, Director of Environmental, Marine & Fisheries Consulting, highlighted the evolution of Seychelles’ fisheries sector, emphasizing the strides made in sustainable practices and the socio-economic impact of the sector.
• Mr. Philippe Michaud, Consultant at the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, offered insights into the challenges and successes of Seychelles’ fisheries sector, providing a deep dive into the history and future outlook of the industry.

Discussions covered the importance of integrating environmental priorities into sustainable development agendas, the evolving role of fisheries in the Seychelles’ economy, and the sector’s efforts to balance growth with sustainability.

Session 2: “Exploring Technical and Scientific Innovation Solutions”

The second session focused on innovative, science-driven solutions that are driving ocean conservation and the development of sustainable blue economies. The session emphasized the importance of technological advancements and scientific research in addressing ocean challenges such as plastic pollution, marine security, blue carbon, and more.

Key presentations included:

• Dr. Jerome Harley, Director of the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at the University of Seychelles, who provided insights into the Seychelles Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project, discussing its role in advancing blue carbon solutions.
• Lieutenant Commander Timothée Sevaistre, French Maritime Advisor to the government of Seychelles, who highlighted the France-Seychelles cooperation in maritime security and decision support systems for better ocean governance.
• Ms. Morgane Kerdonkuff, Port Stopovers Director at Plastic Odyssey, who shared innovative low-tech solutions to combat plastic pollution, drawing from the global work of Plastic Odyssey’s floating laboratory.
• Mr. Daniel Hugelmann, Co-founder and Managing Director of Ocean Labs, who discussed how marine remote sensing buoys are being used in Seychelles to monitor Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), contributing to more effective conservation management.

The second session showcased cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and the commitment of Seychelles and its partners to promote ocean sustainability through innovation.

A Step Forward for Ocean Stewardship

The event underscored Seychelles’ commitment to ocean stewardship and its role as a leading Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in promoting science-driven solutions to ocean sustainability challenges. The discussions provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, reinforcing Seychelles’ role in shaping the global marine conservation agenda.

The event concluded with a call for continued cooperation between local and international partners to advance ocean governance and ensure that marine ecosystems continue to provide for current and future generations.

The Blue Economy Department extends its gratitude to the French Embassy, the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), and all participants for their invaluable contributions. The Blue Economy Department looks forward to further engagements as Seychelles prepares to take a leading role in the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in France.

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