VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles joined the rest of the world on Thursday to mark World Maritime Day, observed under the theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, and Our Opportunity’.
The annual observance highlights the importance of the ocean to the country’s economy, food security and identity, while drawing attention to the responsibility of states and the maritime community to protect marine resources for future generations. Seychelles, an archipelagic state with one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the Indian Ocean, has a particular interest in the sustainable management of the seas.
Activities around the day typically include awareness sessions in schools, port visits, and statements from the Ministry of Transport and the Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration. Officials use the occasion to highlight Seychelles’ commitments under international maritime conventions, including work on decarbonisation, seafarer welfare and the blue economy.
The day also coincides with the opening of the 80th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organisation, where member states are expected to advance measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Seychelles reiterated its support for stronger global action to safeguard the ocean.
