VICTORIA, Seychelles — To commemorate the fifth anniversary of achieving 30 percent Marine Protection Areas on March 26, the Danny Faure Foundation organised a panel discussion on the theme ‘Marine Protection Areas and the Future of the 30% Marine Protection Area’. The event yesterday morning at the University of Seychelles Auditorium, Anse Royale, was held in the presence of former President Danny Faure, students from the School of Advanced Level Studies, students enrolled in the BSc Environment programme at UniSey, students from Anse Royale secondary, as well as students from the Seychelles Maritime Academy.
The board secretary of the Danny Faure Foundation, Alain De Commarmond, explained that this discussion was aimed to gather insights from young minds on the future of MPAs and their role in sustainable marine conservation. ‘At the Danny Faure Foundation, we prioritise the conservation of marine ecosystems and the advancement of the blue economy. This year marks the fifth anniversary since Seychelles implemented a law to protect over 30 percent of its ocean,’ explained Mr De Commarmond.
Yesterday’s event included a presentation by the Project lead for Seychelles’ Marine Spatial Plan at The Nature Conservancy, Helena Sims, who highlighted the marine spatial plan for Seychelles. ‘This strategy encompasses our entire Exclusive Economic Zone. An aim of this strategy is to safeguard 30 percent of our marine area, which was a stipulation in one of the world’s earliest debt restructuring agreements for island nations,’ she explained. Sals’ student Lishad Morgan said unfortunately a lot of people in the community are unaware of the marine protected areas, and that it is essential to increase public awareness and educate communities about the 30 percent Marine Protection Areas. The over three hour-long discussion saw active participation from environmentalists and students.
