Mauritius launches Rs 30 million project for sustainable blue economy transformation in African island states

The initiative, led by Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, and Fisheries Arvin Boolell, is backed by Rs 30 million in aid. Implemented under the United Nations Development Programme UNDP with financial support from the Global Environment Facility GEF and executed by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, the AfriSEEDS project targets six African island nations: Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Its goal is to promote integrated and sustainable management of the blue economy while strengthening the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources.

Minister Boolell emphasized the crucial role of fishers in the blue economy's development and the government's aim to increase the sector's contribution to GDP. He called for more sustainable exploitation of Mauritius's marine resources, advocating for a gradual shift of fishing activities away from lagoons to reduce pressure on coastal ecosystems. He also suggested diversifying activities to include aquaculture, seaweed farming, and oyster cultivation.

Fabrice David, Minister Delegate of Agro-Industry, highlighted the project's strategic timing for Mauritius, linking it to concerns raised by fishing professionals. He noted that for African island states, the ocean represents territory, economy, f