FiTI report is handed over to Seychelles National Library |25 June 2025
Members of the FiTI National Multi-Stakeholder Group and library staff in a souvenir photograph
FiTI report is handed over to Seychelles National Library
The Department of the Blue Economy, in collaboration with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) National Multi-Stakeholder Group, proudly hosted a short ceremony to officially hand over hard copies of the latest FiTI Report to the Seychelles National Library.
This move is part of an ongoing effort to enhance transparency in the Blue Economy and fisheries sectors while encouraging informed dialogue and sustainable practices.
This event last Friday follows Seychelles’ landmark achievement of attaining compliant status under the FiTI Standard — a significant milestone that underscores the nation’s leadership in promoting transparency and accountability in fisheries governance.
In attendance were members of the FiTI National Multi-Stakeholder Group namely the Chair of FiTI Seychelles, Philippe Michaud; Nathanielle Morel – the FiTI National Secretariat; Marie-Therese Purvis, Selwyn Edmond, Rodney Nicole and representatives from the Seychelles National Library.
The initiative behind this ceremonial handover was to ensure that the FiTI Report is publicly accessible. As such, the Seychelles National Library, a trusted public institution, was the ideal recipient to house and aid in disseminating this important publication.
The Chair of FiTI Seychelles, Mr Michaud, delivered a short speech explaining the importance of FiTI and the role it plays in promoting transparency and governance of the country’s marine resources.
“The FiTI Report belongs to the people, and what better way to ensure public access than through Seychelles National Library. The documents we are handing over today are not just statistics; they are critical tools that can empower young professionals, researchers, and anyone interested in the sustainable management of our marine resources,” stated Mr Michaud.
He also expressed his gratitude to Yannick Memee from the FiTI International Secretariat for his work on the report’s formatting and presentation, which has made it much more accessible and user-friendly for the public to interpret trends and figures.
In response, director general Julienne Barra expressed her gratitude and highlighted the importance of these reports in supporting the development of Seychelles' Blue Economy. “We appreciate FiTI Seychelles for its generous contribution,” said DG Barra.
“Access to important reports is essential for young professionals in the Blue Economy and Fisheries sectors. These resources will provide valuable insights for both aspiring professionals and anyone interested in these fields, helping them expand their knowledge. We believe this report will serve as a key resource, benefiting not just individuals but the wider community as well.”
DG Barra also underscored the role of the National Library in fostering public engagement with research and academic materials, urging other institutions and organisations to follow this example and contribute their publications.
The Department of the Blue Economy and the FiTI National Multi-Stakeholder Group extend their heartfelt thanks to the Seychelles National Library for its commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing and civic engagement in the Blue Economy and Fisheries Sector.
Contributed