Mrs Kelly Hoareau formed part of the Seychelles delegation that attended the UN Ocean Conference in New York from 5 – 9 June 2017. Kelly’s participation was self-funded through BERI-related project work. The high-level United Nations Conference was held to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Seychelles made a great impact at the conference; we presented on our initiatives relating to the Debt for nature swop, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SEYCATT), Blue Bonds, Marine Spatial Plan, ban on plastic and the Fisheries Transparency Initiative.

Kelly presented at a side event which shared examples of research, training and education to develop capacities for sustainable livelihoods in SIDS in the context of the Blue Economy. BERI has also signed a voluntary commitment relating to Strengthening the Blue Economy by Supporting Research Capacity Development in Seychelles (starting with a project relating to ocean acidification) – #OceanAction16126.