Seychelles as Ocean Panel Sherpa underscores the power of partnerships in driving a sustainable Blue Economy |11 June 2025
Mrs Ernesta delivering her remarks
Seychelles as Ocean Panel Sherpa underscores the power of partnerships in driving a sustainable Blue Economy
As part of its ongoing commitment to global ocean leadership, Seychelles participated in the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy’s side event, ‘Investing in Our Ocean’s Future’, held on June 9 aboard the Tall Ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl in Nice harbour during the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
Attended by heads of state, philanthropists, foundations, and ocean advocates, the event was a platform to share insights from the Panel’s transformative research and to explore high-impact investment and partnership opportunities aimed at achieving 100% sustainable ocean management.
Representing Seychelles in its role as a Sherpa to the Ocean Panel, principal secretary for the Blue Economy, Phillianne Ernesta, delivered remarks highlighting how strategic partnerships have been fundamental to Seychelles’ pioneering efforts in developing a robust and resilient blue economy.
“For island nations like ours, strategic partnerships are not optional– they are essential,” said PS Ernesta. “Through collaboration, Seychelles has unlocked financing, improved ocean governance, and advanced marine conservation while supporting livelihoods.”
Seychelles joined the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy in 2023 as its 18th member, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to marine sustainability and multilateral cooperation. As a small island developing state (Sids) with 99.9% of its territory covered by ocean, Seychelles brings a unique and urgent perspective to the global conversation on ocean sustainability.
At the event, Seychelles shared how strategic partnerships have enabled progress on:
- Innovative Financing: Including the world’s first sovereign blue bond and debt-for-nature swaps to support marine protection;
- Ocean Governance: Through the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), Joint Management Areas (JMA), and integrated monitoring & evaluation frameworks;
- Ocean Literacy and Education: With initiatives such as the integration of ocean literacy in the school curriculum and piloting the Ocean ChatGPT tool in partnership with IPOS.
These experiences underscore the critical role of collaborative governance, cross-sector investment, and knowledge sharing in achieving ocean sustainability, especially for vulnerable coastal and island nations.
The High-Level Panel’s event and Seychelles' participation reaffirm that bold partnerships and evidence-based policy are vital to accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of our ocean.
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