Fishermen Associations and SPGA received equipment from FAO 04-07-2024

04-07-2024 – On Wednesday 3^rd July 2024, the Fishermen’s Associations of Glacis and Bel Ombre, along with the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), received equipment as part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Reef Fish project.

This donation includes safety-at-sea gear such as life jackets, paddles, mooring buoys and ropes and distress signals, as well as large 1000-litre ice boxes for preserving, storing, and transporting fish and fish products.

The Minister of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Mr. Jean-Francois Ferrari, and the FAO Representative for Seychelles, Dr. Mbuli Charles Boliko, presented the equipment to the three beneficiaries in a small ceremony held at the Providence Fishing Port. The presentation took place in the presence of the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, SFA staff, members of both fishermen associations, and representatives of the media.

The FAO Reef Fish project was implemented over 3 years, starting from 2020 to 2023. The regional project was financed by the Government of Japan and the FAO, and a sum of $4,400,000 was allocated regionally to the 5 countries for implementation of a diversity of projects tailored to suit the country context. It aimed to improve coral reef fisheries production for food security through restoring fragile ecosystems and assisting fishing communities to better manage their coral reef resources.

The project targeted to render the fish and crustacean value chains more efficient, contribute to rational and sustainable exploitation of coral reef areas in the project area, and diversify certain fisheries operations. The two Associations and SPGA, are direct beneficiaries due to the project sites of Curieuse and Silhouette. They participated fully in the implementation of the project.

In his speech, Minister Ferrari expressed his pleasure partnering with the FAO for this project. He also celebrated the achievements of Glacis and Bel Ombre associations highlighting their collaboration in programs important to the protection, development and sustainability of fishing activities.

On behalf of the FAO, Dr. Boliko emphasized on the importance of the international partnership that made the project possible, including the one with Japan which provided funding. He also acknowledged the dedication of the Ministry for Fisheries and the Blue Economy and all the associations present, towards sustainability of marine ecosystem and coral reef resources management.