Seychelles marine conservation and climate resilience

Seychelles is prioritizing its Blue Economy and marine conservation to combat climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The nation has historically focused on ocean governance, including a commitment to protect 30% of its Exclusive Economic Zone and utilizing debt-for-nature swaps to manage its marine territory.

Recent data from the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) indicates significant environmental challenges, with national coral cover having fallen to 14% following major thermal stress events in 1998, 2016, and 2024. These reefs are critical to the economy, supporting over US$51.5 million in annual tourism revenue and local food security.

In response to these climate-related risks, the Seychelles Planning Authority and the Department of Risk and Disaster Management have partnered to strengthen national disaster resilience. This collaboration involves developing new policies for managing threats such as landslides, flooding, and tsunamis, while aligning national frameworks with international disaster risk reduction standards.