Seychelles’ Blue Bond: Turning ocean vision into action |04 May 2026

Launch of the Seychelles Blue Bond in Bali at the Ocean Conference in 2018 (Credit: James Alix Michel)

Seychelles’ Blue Bond: Turning ocean vision into action

By James Alix Michel

As the world prepares for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) meeting in Samarkand this month, Seychelles’ pioneering blue bond offers a compelling lesson in practical ocean finance.

For small island states, the ocean is not merely a natural resource; it is the foundation of national life, economic opportunity, and long-term resilience against climate threats.

As President of Seychelles, I introduced the blue economy as a national vision as early as 2008. I did so because I believed then – as I do now – that for an island nation spanning 1.4 million square kilometres of ocean, sustainable development must begin with responsible stewardship of our marine resources. Our future depended on learning how to protect biodiversity, manage fisheries sustainably, and build economic models that serve both present needs and future generations. This vision positioned Seychelles as an early advocate for integrating ocean health with national prosperity.

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