A significant chapter in Seychelles’ environmental journey was marked last Friday with a ceremonial event held at the Eden Bleu Hotel, celebrating the conclusion of the planning phase of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan (SMSP). Attended by Vice President Ahmed Afif, Principal Minister and Minister for the Department of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mr. Jean Francois Ferrari, Executive Committee Chair and Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Mr. Flavien Joubert, the SMSP Executive Committee, technical teams, key partners, and passionate ocean advocates, the event marked a proud moment in the nation’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.
Seychelles’ journey towards marine protection began in 2010, when the President at the time committed to designating more than 50% of the country's terrestrial area and 30% of its ocean territory under biodiversity protection. This bold pledge sparked the launch of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan process in 2011 covering an area of over 410,000 square kilometers of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
By 2020, through the SMSP initiative facilitated by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and supported by the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT), Seychelles had already surpassed the target, designating 32.6% of its marine area for protection. This achievement placed Seychelles ahead of global conservation benchmarks, including the 30% ocean protection target outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022.
The event included a presentation retracing the SMSP’s journey and insights from TNC and other partners. These reflected on over a decade of collaborative efforts, innovation, and national commitment to preserving Seychelles’ marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable blue economy opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Chair of the SMSP Executive Committee, Mr. Flavien Joubert, emphasized the transition from planning to action:
"Implementation means action. It means turning zones on paper into real-world outcomes — healthy marine ecosystems, well-managed fisheries, sustainable tourism, empowered coastal communities, and climate resilience. It means institutionalizing the Plan, strengthening our legal frameworks, and ensuring that every decision we make about the ocean reflects the vision we have collectively built."
Minister Joubert further highlighted the importance of maintaining the spirit of collaboration that has defined the SMSP journey:
"Implementation will require the same if not greater levels of coordination, innovation, and ownership. Let us remain united in our purpose, committed to adaptive management, and open to learning as we go forward."
As Seychelles transitions into the implementation phase, the ceremony was not just a celebration of past achievements but a call to continued action. It highlighted the value of partnerships between government, civil society, science, and the private sector in advancing a shared vision for sustainable ocean governance.
With the foundation now laid, Seychelles moves confidently into the future, ensuring that its marine heritage continues to provide for its people, economy, and environment today and for generations to come.