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This July marks a momentous occasion for Seychelles: the tenth anniversary of the establishment of its groundbreaking Department of the Blue Economy. Launched in 2014, this pioneering department was the first dedicated governmental body in the world to place the ocean squarely at the center of national development policy. Its formation represented a bold and forward-looking strategy that acknowledged both the nation’s profound dependence on marine ecosystems and its potential to lead globally in sustainable ocean management.
The establishment of the Department of the Blue Economy was not merely an administrative innovation—it was a visionary move that recognized the ocean as a vast and dynamic source of economic opportunity, environmental wealth, and cultural identity. For an island nation like Seychelles, whose economy, food security, and way of life are intrinsically tied to the sea, integrating ocean stewardship into national planning was both a necessity and an opportunity to lead by example.
Under the 2025 guiding theme, “One Ocean for Today and Tomorrow’s Generation,” Seychelles is commemorating a decade of remarkable achievements while charting a future rooted in resilience, innovation, and shared responsibility. The theme is more than a slogan—it is a call to action that highlights the intergenerational duty to protect marine ecosystems so they can continue to sustain life and livelihoods for years to come.
Over the past ten years, Seychelles has made significant strides in advancing sustainable ocean governance. From establishing marine protected areas that now cover over 30% of its Exclusive Economic Zone, to pioneering blue bonds as innovative financing tools for ocean conservation, the country has become a recognized leader in the global Blue Economy movement. These accomplishments reflect a deep commitment not only to marine biodiversity, but to social and economic systems that rely on the health of the ocean.
At the heart of Seychelles’ Blue Economy success is a powerful and enduring belief: that economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity are not competing objectives, but interconnected pillars of a thriving society. This integrated philosophy ensures that ocean-related activities—from fisheries and tourism to maritime transport and climate resilience—are developed in a way that respects ecological limits, uplifts communities, and contributes to national prosperity.
Such balance, however, is not achieved by chance. It requires deliberate and sustained effort supported by strong governance structures. A critical enabler of Seychelles’ progress has been its institutional architecture—anchored by a robust legal framework, forward-thinking policies, and effective coordination mechanisms.
Central to this architecture is the Department of the Blue Economy itself. Over the past decade, the department has served as both a strategic think tank and a practical engine for implementation. It has brought together diverse sectors—from finance to fisheries, conservation to commerce—ensuring coherence in policy and consistency in purpose. As the steward of Seychelles’ ocean vision, the department has played a vital role in aligning national goals with international commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water).
The department’s work has not only shaped national priorities but has also elevated Seychelles’ voice in international fora. It has positioned the country as a vocal advocate for small island developing states (SIDS), climate resilience, and ocean equity on the global stage.
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As Seychelles enters the second decade of its Blue Economy journey, the challenges of climate change, marine pollution, and resource overexploitation remain ever-present. Yet, with a decade of innovation and collaboration behind it, the nation is well-positioned to deepen its leadership and share its lessons with the world.
The anniversary of the Department of the Blue Economy is a timely reminder that sustainability is not a destination but a continuous process—one that requires courage, creativity, and commitment across generations. Through its theme “One Ocean for Today and Tomorrow’s Generation,” Seychelles reaffirms its pledge: to care for the ocean not just as a natural resource, but as a legacy for the future.
