During a ceremony held yesterday to mark the first Blue Economy Day at the Seychelles Institute of Teachers Education (SITE), the Chief Executive Officer of the James Michel Foundation, Mr. Jacquelin Dugasse and the Minister of Environment, Energy & Climate Change, Mr. Didier Dogley, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation.

The aim of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation is to ensure harmonization and a holistic approach to the work undertaken by the Government of Seychelles and the James Michel Foundation on the Blue Economy.

Under the MOU, the James Michel Foundation and the Government of Seychelles will pool resources and actions in the following areas;

•         Policy compatibility and representation

•         Joint activities

•         Exchange of information and experience

“The signing of the MOU establishes the platform for cooperation between the Government of Seychelles and the James Michel  Foundation for the promotion of the Blue Economy concept, raise awareness of climate change impacts on Seychelles, advance the cause of small island developing states nationally and internationally ” said Mr. Dugasse.

The ceremony was also organized to celebrate the Youth Ocean Champions. The James Michel Foundation sponsored prizes, which were presented to the children by Mr. Jacquelin Dugasse. The prizes were given for the winners of the national school competition “Blue Economy Career Profile “as well as prizes for Anse Royale primary school and Pointe Larue secondary school for promoting the Blue Economy Concept at community level.

Also present at the ceremony were the Vice President, Mr. Vincent Meriton, Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Mr. Joel Morgan and Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, Mrs. Mitcy Larue.