VICTORIA, Seychelles — Public and stakeholder input is being sought prior to the finalisation of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan (SMSP), the country’s blueprint for the sustainable use of its vast ocean territory. A consultation session was held yesterday, bringing together government officials, industry representatives, environmental groups and community stakeholders to discuss the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SMSP.
The plan focuses on the final discussions related to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the SMSP before it moves toward legal adoption. The country has committed to up to 30 per cent marine protection in its Exclusive Economic Zone and developed a comprehensive marine spatial plan to ensure representative species and habitats have long-term protection, to improve resilience. The plan is aligned with the country’s commitments under international ocean governance frameworks.
At the end of the second day of the session for stakeholders, the chairman of the SMSP steering committee and principal secretary for environment, Denis Matatiken, said it is important to get feedback, especially from the public, on the draft plan. He noted that the plan, apart from being a guidance for sustainable use of the oceans, will also help in resolving conflicts between the various sectors related to the economy, social and environment. The expected outcomes include a finalised plan that balances conservation goals with economic development needs.
