Blue Economy and Finance Forum |11 June 2025
Seychelles’ delegation: (l to r) PS Ernesta, Ambassador Madeleine and Mrs Jeremie
Seychelles strengthensBlue Economy Agenda
A high-level Seychelles delegation has participated in the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) held on June 7–8 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.
The official delegation comprised Ambassador Ian Madeleine (Ambassador of Seychelles to the United States of America and Permanent Representative of Seychelles to the United Nations), Phillianne Ernesta (principal secretary for the Blue Economy), Marie-May Jeremie (chief executive of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust – SeyCCAT), and Gabriella Gonthier (senior international cooperation officer).
Convened as a special event ahead of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, the forum was dedicated to mobilising sustainable investment for asustainable blue economy. Over two days, global leaders, policymakers, financiers and innovators gathered coinciding with World Oceans Day to highlight the ocean’s critical role and rally support for its conservation and economic potential. Seychelles’ presence underscored its commitment as a small island nation to drive international action on ocean sustainability.
The Monaco forumwelcomed key speakers including H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, French President Emmanuel Macron, ECB President Christine Lagarde, and Palau’s UN Ambassador Ilana Seid who underlined the urgent need to restore ocean health and realign economic models with environmental sustainability. Discussions spanned multiple aspects of the blue economy; from sustainable fisheries and marine biotechnology to renewable energy and eco-tourism - emphasising that concrete solutions already exist across these sectors. A recurring theme was bridging the traditionally siloed realms of science, conservation and finance to create new funding pathways for ocean sustainability.
The BEFFserved as a launchpad for new partnerships and projects announced in the lead-up to UNOC3, where a ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan’ will be adopted. Additionally, the platform was used to announce partnerships and pledge stronger action. Highlights included the signing of a Sustainable Mediterranean Cruise Charter by Monaco and France, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of cruise tourism through joint regulation and innovation.
In closing the forum, host Prince Albert II joined other leaders in a resounding call for enhanced international cooperation, ethical policymaking, and science-based action to guide future ocean management. With the foundations laid in Monaco, attention now shifts to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where momentum from the forum will inform global deliberations on safeguarding the world’s oceans.
Contributed