Propelling Seychelles as the pioneer of the Blue Economy concept |11 June 2016

In a ceremony to mark World Ocean Day on Thursday June 8, President James Alix Michel launched a new book entitled, Rethinking the Oceans – Towards the Blue Economy.

The ceremony took place at State House and was attended by among others Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham, KBE, Vice-President Danny Faure, ministers and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from the private and public sectors of the Blue Economy as well as friends and family of the President.

In his remarks President Michel said: “In Rethinking the Oceans, I have endeavoured to urge us all to think afresh about what lies beyond our shores and the sub-title ‘Towards the Blue Economy’ shows ways in which this can be done.”

“My book tells the story of the Blue Economy to date; how the concept has come onto the world stage, the many aspects it embraces, and what it can offer for all of our future and running through this is the theme of sustainability. We must learn from the errors we have made in the past; we must ensure that the beauty and the riches of the oceans are there for the benefit of the future generations,” President Michel said.

President Michel said that under the proud flag of Seychelles, he has taken every opportunity to turn the world’s attention to this new frontier and has addressed world leaders on every continent and many international organisations on this subject, calling for a new partnership with the oceans instead of depleting their resources.

“The Blue Economy represents a new frontier. A new frontier in mankind’s endeavours not to ignore the land but to take a fresh look at the sea.  And not to exploit its immense reserves as if there were no tomorrow, but to manage them sustainably.  We have over a longer period become familiar with the idea of the Green Economy; now it is the turn of the Blue Economy as well,” he said.

“It is no coincidence that I have dedicated the book to all of our children, to those who will inherit the oceans. For they are the sentinels of nature and the guardians of our oceans. In telling this story, I have been inspired by fellow Seychellois.  Fishermen who daily sail beyond the horizon, away from the safety of the shore.  Conservationists who devote themselves to protecting the marine environment, for us all to enjoy.  Our brave sailors who, alone, faced the menace of piracy before international help arrived. I have discussed with many other people and I have learnt a lot from their own experiences. I have learnt a lot listening to people from other small island states, from scientists, business leaders.”

President Michel expressed his gratitude to all those who collaborated with him on this project and a special mention went to Dr José Grazianio da Silva, director general of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Sir James R. Mancham, KBE, Seychelles founding President, and Dr Gordon L. Anderson, the president of Paragon House Publications, Minnesota, USA.

Paragon House Publications has previously published three books by founding President Mancham (i) War on America – Seen from the Indian Ocean (2002) (ii) Autobiography – Seychelles Global Citizen (2009) and (iii) SEYCHELLES – The saga of a small nation navigating the cross-currents of a big world (2014).

“The decision of Paragon House Publications to publish President Michel’s book is certainly an acknowledgement that this book is a serious book of international appeal and that it is timely for it to be put into the international domain,” said Sir James.

This book is an eye opener, says Mancham

The founding President expressed a special congratulation to President Michel, who, “despite all current difficulties and problems,” still found the time to write and promote Seychelles in a manner which we deserve as being the pioneer in the field of the Blue Economy.

Sir James said this book will be an eye opener and that everyone should read it.

“No doubt, President Michel has achieved tremendously, since he assumed the Presidency of Seychelles….against a background of good leadership and great navigation. In this special time in the history of Seychelles, we should not forget who we are and where we came from,” he said.

Sir James Mancham is an active supporter of the World Ocean Council as well as an Ambassador-at-Large of the Ocean Exchange which is based in Savannah, Georgia, USA.

The guest of honour at the book launch ceremony, the president of Paragon House Publications, Dr Anderson, who is also editor-in-chief of International Journal on World Peace, said: “Rethinking the Ocean is a book of hope and optimism, demonstrating that a clean and sustainable world does not need to remain an elusive dream but that if we apply our minds and hearts to sound Blue Economy policies, we can indeed turn around the dangers of environmental catastrophy caused by human ignorance, abuse and neglect of the ocean. This is a book written by a mature statesman who rises above the fray and points the way forward”.

A leader who understands the changes required to protect our environmental legacy

Speaking about the Blue Economy concept, Seychelles Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, Jean-Paul Adam, highlighted the achievements made since President Michel created the Blue Economy department over the years. “Through the launching of this book, the President shows us yet again his commitment to implementing a transformative vision for Seychelles. An insightful book which will offer food for thought for those of us who not only want to protect it, but also wish to see it contribute even more towards our socio-economic development,” the minister said.

Minister Adam also spoke of the various finance mechanisms and projects being spearheaded by Seychelles to support the Blue Economy.

In his foreword to the book, the FAO director general José Graziano da Silva said “At such a challenging time, it is essential to have a leader who clearly understands both the changes required to protect our environmental legacy, and the need to build, in parallel, an inclusive society that creates economic growth and security for its citizens in a sustainable way... Seychelles was one of the first countries to recognise that caring for the oceans opens doors to opportunities for the growth of coastal communities and, particularly, small island developing states devoid of extensive land. But the country also understood that any such growth requires a clear commitment to sustainability. This is one of the core messages President Michel and his team have championed since 2012.”

The 200-page book will be on sale in Seychelles and internationally.

Prior to the reception, an exhibition prepared by a wide range of Blue Economy stakeholders was on display in the State House and its garden.

Guests viewing the exhibition