Yokohama, Japan: President Danny Faure this afternoon delivered a statement at the Blue Economy Thematic Session 5 as part his participation at the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) being held in Yokohama, Japan.

The session chaired was by the Foreign Minister for Japan, Mr. Taro Kono and was attended by various high-level officials of Japan, African countries and other TICAD Members States focused on discussing opportunities to explore avenues that exist for Africa to promote initiatives on the development of the Blue Economy concept.

During his statement, the President highlighted the significant role and efforts being implemented by the Seychelles as a Small Island Developing State (SIDs) and as the Champion for the development of the Blue Economy in Africa whilst actively working with the African Union Commission and the UNECA to develop a model Blue Economy policy and development tools for the continent.

President Faure also stressed on the importance of adopting a collaborative approach and continuously raising awareness on the enormous potential the blue economy present for Africa and globally.

“Important to highlight is that most of us on the African continent are often crippled by our limited resource capacity. However, if we were to combine efforts, align our objectives, and rely on each other’s strengths, we could indeed attain the seemingly unattainable! Central to Seychelles’ interpretation of the Blue Economy is the equilibrium it seeks to establish between development and conservation. Towards that end, by 2020 we would have completed a comprehensive Marine Spatial Plan of our Exclusive Economic Zone, thus setting a benchmark to be emulated globally” said President Faure.

“What is fundamental to address as an enabling condition for the transition to sustainable economic development, is a change in mind-set. Effectively, education is key. We therefore need to clearly communicate in a sensible and audience-specific manner, the rationale for the promotion of more sustainable practices."

The President also reiterated the urgency and crucial collective efforts required to secure the region through maritime Security actions.

“Last but not least, we cannot derive optimum benefits from the Blue Economy without securing a rules-based maritime order and maritime safety and security. Armed robbery and piracy at sea, despite our concerted international efforts continue to be of major concern, in addition to IUU fishing and other illegal activities. It is relevant, therefore, to reiterate the call of the TICAD VI Nairobi Declaration and to respect the principles of international law,” stressed President Faure.