Seychelles charts its course of action for a sustainable blue economy |12 June 2025
Minister Joubert during his intervention
Seychelles charts its course of action for a sustainable blue economy
At the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, Seychelles reaffirmed its global leadership in an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
The Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Flavien Joubert, delivered an intervention on behalf of the island nation, articulating a strategic, forward-looking vision for sustainable development, marine conservation, and inclusive governance.
Representing a country that is 99% ocean, Minister Joubert emphasised that “safeguarding the ocean is not a choice, it is a matter of survival”.
He called on all nations to act with urgency and responsibility to protect the ocean, which underpins not only the environmental health of the planet but also the economic and cultural integrity of small island developing states (Sids) like Seychelles.
Yet, Seychelles has not waited for others to lead. It has pioneered transformative, high-impact initiatives that are now models for global replication.
Among these, Seychelles has been a trailblazer in the Blue Economy. In 2020, it designated 30% of its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as Marine Protected Areas, a commitment made possible through the world’s first debt-for-nature swap. This was followed by the launch of the world’s first sovereign Blue Bonds, establishing Seychelles as a laboratory for financing sustainable ocean development.
In a further sign of its leadership, Seychelles became the first African nation and the fourth globally to ratify the High Seas Treaty known as the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) agreement affirming its dedication to protecting the marine biodiversity that exists beyond national borders.
In March 2025, the nation achieved another milestone by finalising and legislating its Marine Spatial Plan. This landmark act not only fulfills Sustainable Development Goal 14.5 but also meets the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s 30x30 target protecting 30% of ocean areas by 2030 well ahead of schedule.
Seychelles’ updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) go even further, pledging the conservation of 100% of its critical blue carbon ecosystems; including seagrasses and mangroves which are vital to climate mitigation, coastal protection, and fisheries productivity.
Recognising that sustainability must be anchored in knowledge, Seychelles has integrated ocean literacy into its national school curriculum, becoming a regional pioneer in marine education.
In parallel, the government endorsed the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) in 2025, demonstrating its commitment to science-based governance, transparency, and innovation.
Minister Joubert urged the global community to support mutualistic partnerships, deeper investment, and knowledge co-development, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean.
“We cannot succeed alone,” he stated, calling for the proposed Nice Ocean Action Plan to serve as a practical, action-oriented blueprint, including 30% ocean protection by 2030, ratification of the BBNJ agreement, and scalable blue finance solutions.
Seychelles’ address was a clear message to the international community: while the island nation is taking bold, measurable steps, lasting impact will only come through shared responsibility, global cooperation, and sustained ambition.
“Seychelles stands ready to act and we invite the world to stand with us,” concluded Minister Joubert.
Contributed