(c) FAO

In Seychelles, coral reefs are four times the size of the land area.

November 12th, 2021 - Mahé/Seychelles : Coral reef habitats are important for fishery and tourism, which are two major components of the economic sector for the country, providing artisanal fishery as well as food security for the population. Nevertheless, since 1998, coral bleaching increased, and Seychelles is one of the countries that suffered from the highest coral mortality. This is a major cause of declining fish stocks and livelihoods that calls for urgent action.

In this regard, the project entitled “Enhancing Livelihoods, Food Security and Maritime Safety through Increased Resilience of Fishing Communities Dependent on Coral Reef Fisheries in the African Coastal Countries of the Indian Ocean”, which is funded by the Government of Japan, seeks to protect coral reef resources for future generations by promoting sustainable use of marine resources. Among the outcomes, the project aims at developing capacity among fishery communities including youth and women, improving fishery value chain and marketing, as well as increase maritime safety and reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or IUU by using digital technology. 

This project agreement has been signed between Japan and FAO in August 2019 on the sidelines of the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) in Yokohama. 

Blue economy is strategic for Indian ocean islands

Japan’s contribution to the Africa Blue Economy Development resulted from the Nairobi Declaration issued by TICAD 6. Moreover, the Government of Seychelles has played a leading role in promoting the Blue Economy concept, as reflected in the Blue Economy Strategic Framework and Roadmap of Seychelles for 2018-2030.

Blue Growth presents a major challenge in Africa and in the Indian Ocean region, where quarter of all revenue and third of export earnings, come from the blue economy sector. 

Blue growth is about making better use of the potential of the oceans, seas and coasts in order to:

-Eliminate overfishing and other harmful fishing practices;

-To promote appropriate measures that encourage cooperation between countries;

-To facilitate policy development, investment and innovation for food security, poverty reduction and sustainable management of aquatic resources.

Over the years, FAO has contributed to promoting investment in sustainable blue economy, as well as sustainable use of marine resources in Africa.

The Western Indian Ocean is home to 16% of the world’s coral reefs, and hosts the second coral reef biodiversity hotspot. These ecosystems constitute a global challenge for Blue Economy development. However, in the recent years, coral bleaching and human activities have threatened fishery resources preservation in particular for populations depending on them. 

1.  In Seychelles, coral reefs are four times the size of the land area. Coral reef habitats are important for fishery and tourism, which are two major components of the economic sector for the country, providing artisanal fishery as well as food security for the population. Nevertheless, since 1998, coral bleaching increased, and Seychelles is one of the countries that suffered from the highest coral mortality. This is a major cause of declining fish stocks and livelihoods that r calls for urgent.