The IMO Supports the Blue Economy Concept

Foreign Minister Jean-Paul Adam has met with the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Koji Sekimizu, on the margins of the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD V) that took place in Yokohama, Japan, from the 1st to 3rd of June 2013.
Their discussions centered on the importance of placing the blue economy on the TICAD as well as post-2015 development agenda. Both Minister Adam and Mr. Sekimizu stressed the need for ‘blue growth’ and the vast potential Africa’s oceans and marine resources can offer for its further socio-economic development.
They agreed that this depends on Africa’s readiness to protect and preserve its surrounding waters, as well as greater maritime development in regards to its fisheries and shipping sectors.
The Secretary General mentioned that the IMO has since many years moved beyond its traditional focus on maritime safety and security, to environmental responsibility. Currently it is seeking to encourage sustainable practices within the international shipping community.
Minister Adam welcomed this stance, and highlighted Seychelles’ key focus on bringing the significance of the blue economy to the attention of Africa, as well as the international community.
During the meetings, the Minister and the Secretary also discussed the progress of various projects that the IMO is helping to implement in Seychelles, including the ongoing implementation of a Navtex broadcasting system and the construction of a jetty at the Maritime Training Centre.
The Minister also reiterated Seychelles’ determination to achieve White List certification, and indicated that we are working hard on the necessary procedures to realize this.