AGP Executive Report

Ocean-Climate Accountability: Seychelles ocean negotiator Angelique Pouponneau says “ocean protection” must come with real emissions cuts, calling out hypocrisy and urging deeper climate finance for small island states. Coral Reef Warning: A strong El Niño could intensify heatwaves and extreme weather, raising fresh risks for Seychelles’ coral reefs and reef recovery. Coastal Restoration in Action: Seychelles Parliamentary Service staff joined an Ephelia Resort mangrove planting drive, backing restoration of coastal ecosystems. Sustainable Housing & Water: NBCC (India) signed a deal to build 1,008 affordable homes on Île Aurore, including a dedicated sewage treatment plant to support sustainable urban living. Tourism Leadership (Americas): David Germain rejoined the Seychelles Tourism Board as Dedicated Representative for the Americas and Canada, aiming to strengthen long-haul marketing. Diplomacy & Shared Environment: Venezuela’s ambassador presented credentials to Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, highlighting cultural and environmental similarities and cooperation plans. Regional Integration: SADC leaders meet in Durban to push industrialisation, infrastructure, food security and integration, with Seychelles among member states. Biodiversity Spotlight: A Seychelles-linked piece highlights the value of rare wildlife and conservation-minded learning, including a focus on rare species observation.

Ocean & Climate Accountability: Seychelles ocean negotiator Angelique Pouponneau says “ocean protection” must come with real emissions cuts, calling out hypocrisy and urging deeper climate finance for small island states. Coral Reef Warning: A strong El Niño forecast for late 2026 raises the risk of heatwaves and extreme weather that could stress Seychelles’ coral reefs. Marine Pollution: A new global study finds drifting fish aggregating devices are reaching more than half of protected marine areas, with calls for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger company responsibility for retrieval. Local Conservation Action: Parliamentary Service staff joined mangrove restoration planting at Ephelia Resort, backing Seychelles’ coastal ecosystem recovery. Housing & Sustainability: NBCC (India) signed an agreement to build 1,008 affordable homes on Île Aurore, including a dedicated sewage treatment plant, funded via a $75m Indian line of credit. Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador presented credentials to President Patrick Herminie, highlighting shared environmental and development priorities and a planned visa waiver for official passports. Tourism Leadership: David Germain returns to the Seychelles Tourism Board to push marketing across the Americas and Canada.

Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Angelique Pouponneau, lead ocean negotiator for AOSIS, warns that ocean protection must come with deep emissions cuts, calling out “hypocrisy” from countries expanding fossil fuels while claiming to defend the sea. Marine Protection Under Pressure: A new global study says drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieving lost gear. Seychelles Tourism Push (Americas): The Seychelles Tourism Board welcomes back veteran marketer David Germain as Dedicated Representative for the Americas and Canada, aiming to strengthen long-haul demand. Local Environment Action: Parliamentary Service staff joined a mangrove planting and restoration activity at Ephelia Resort, led by Speaker Azarel Ernesta and others, to support Seychelles’ coastal ecosystems. Sustainable Housing & Infrastructure: NBCC (India) signs an agreement for the Île Aurore Housing Project—1,008 affordable units plus a dedicated sewage treatment plant—funded via a $75m Indian line of credit. Diplomacy: Venezuela’s ambassador Carlos Feo Acevedo presents credentials to President Patrick Herminie, highlighting shared environmental and development priorities and early steps toward a visa waiver for official passports. Tourism Leadership & Youth: Anguilla’s tourism director urges young people into hospitality careers and calls for Caribbean destinations to cooperate rather than compete, pointing to Seychelles and other global rivals.

Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Angelique Pouponneau, lead ocean negotiator for AOSIS, says ocean protection must come with deep emissions cuts and real climate finance—calling out “hypocrisy” from states that praise the sea while expanding fossil fuels. Marine Conservation & Pollution Risk: A new global study in Science Advances finds drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, with calls for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieving lost gear. Local Environment Action: Parliamentary Service staff joined an on-site mangrove planting drive at Ephelia Resort, supporting restoration of Seychelles’ coastal ecosystems. Housing With Sustainability Angle: NBCC (India) signed an agreement to build 1,008 affordable homes on Île Aurore, including a dedicated sewage treatment plant, funded via a $75m Indian line of credit. Biodiversity & Culture: Rendezvous Praslinois returns in a rebranded eco-cultural format at Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve, spotlighting Coco de Mer conservation and Praslin’s Creole traditions. Tourism Policy & Leadership: Seychelles’ Alain St. Ange is set to deliver a keynote on tourism as a global catalyst—linking economic gains with protecting cultures and environments.

El Niño and coral reefs: A new NOAA forecast warns a strengthening El Niño could turn “very strong” later in 2026, bringing more heat stress and extreme weather that could hit Seychelles coral reefs hard. Mangroves in action: Parliamentary Service staff joined an Ephelia Resort mangrove planting drive, backing coastal ecosystem restoration around Seychelles. Ocean governance at the ISA: An IPS op-ed from Seychelles calls out the International Seabed Authority’s failure to adopt a deep-sea mining Mining Code, urging governments to close gaps on environmental safeguards before any mining moves forward. Marine pollution from fishing gear: A study reports drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, raising concerns for reefs, wildlife and cleanup burdens. Underwater noise: A report links rising shipping noise in the Western Indian Ocean to harm for whales, dolphins and other marine life, including across Seychelles waters. Local nature and culture: Rendezvous Praslinois returns at Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve, spotlighting Coco de Mer and Praslin’s biodiversity through an eco-cultural celebration. Diplomacy with an environmental link: Venezuela’s ambassador presented credentials to President Patrick Herminie, highlighting shared environmental ties and cooperation plans with Seychelles. Housing with sustainability aims: NBCC (India) signed an Île Aurore affordable housing deal for 1,008 units, including a dedicated sewage treatment plant, funded via an India line of credit.

El Niño & Coral Reefs: A strong El Niño warning could intensify heatwaves and extreme weather later in 2026, raising fresh risks for Seychelles’ coral reefs. Mangroves & Coastal Restoration: Parliamentary Service staff joined an Ephelia Resort mangrove planting drive to restore and protect Seychelles’ coastal ecosystems. Marine Life Under Pressure: A new look at underwater ocean noise highlights how rising shipping activity can disrupt marine species across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Deep-Sea Mining Governance: Seychelles-linked commentary urges a precautionary pause as the International Seabed Authority failed to adopt a Mining Code, leaving key environmental safeguards unresolved. Ocean Conservation & Tourism Culture: Rendezvous Praslinois at Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve on Praslin blended Creole culture with conservation messaging around the Coco de Mer and local biodiversity. Housing for Sustainable Development: NBCC (India) signed an Île Aurore Housing Project deal for 1,008 affordable homes, including a sewage treatment plant, supported by a $75m Indian line of credit. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with major receptions in India, spotlighting shared priorities including sustainable development and ocean governance. Biodiversity & Wildlife: A global study reports drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) are affecting more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, with calls for tighter limits and better retrieval.

Mangrove restoration in Seychelles: Parliamentary Service staff joined the Ephelia Green Team for hands-on mangrove planting around Ephelia Resort, backing coastal ecosystem recovery. Deep-sea mining pause urged: A Seychelles-based opinion piece says the ISA failed to adopt a Mining Code after 15 years, leaving key gaps on environmental safeguards and benefit-sharing—so governments should keep pushing for caution. Coral reef warning: A strong El Niño forecast for Oct–Dec 2026 raises the risk of heatwaves and extreme weather that could stress Seychelles’ coral reefs. Marine life under underwater noise: A report highlights rising ocean noise across the Western Indian Ocean, warning it can disrupt whales, dolphins, fish and other species that rely on sound. Seychelles–India ties: At Seychelles’ 50th Independence celebrations in New Delhi, India reaffirmed long-standing partnership, including support for sustainable development and ocean governance. Housing with sustainability focus: NBCC (India) signed an agreement to build 1,008 affordable units on Île Aurore, including a dedicated sewage treatment plant. Tourism and conservation spotlight: A tourism-focused piece flags ongoing debate over a luxury resort plan near Aldabra-linked areas, with questions raised about environmental and strategic impacts.

Deep-Sea Mining Governance: A Seychelles-based call for a precautionary pause hit a wall at the International Seabed Authority, where governments left the Mining Code unfinished after 15 years—leaving gaps on environmental safeguards, liability, inspections, compliance and benefit-sharing. Coral Reef Watch: A strong El Niño warning is raising the stakes for Seychelles’ coral reefs, with NOAA forecasting very strong conditions later in 2026 that could mean more heat stress and extreme weather. Ocean Pollution & Fishing Gear: A new global study links drifting fish aggregating devices to impacts across more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking and stronger responsibility for retrieval. Marine Life Underwater Noise: Shipping noise is increasingly disrupting marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles—highlighting a biodiversity and livelihoods risk. Seychelles-India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with major events in India, with renewed focus on sustainable development and ocean governance. Tuna & Fisheries: EU and Seychelles renewed a tuna fisheries agreement, keeping attention on how regional fishing rules intersect with marine protection.

El Niño and coral reefs: A new NOAA forecast warns a strengthening El Niño could peak Oct–Dec 2026, bringing more heat stress and extreme weather that may hit Seychelles coral reefs. Marine life under pressure: A study estimates drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, raising risks for reefs and wildlife and calling for tighter limits and better tracking. Ocean noise problem: Underwater noise linked to rising shipping is increasingly disrupting marine ecosystems across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. EU-Seychelles tuna deal: The EU and Seychelles renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol, restoring EU vessel access for four years with limits up to 55,000 tonnes a year, framed as good for jobs and the long-term health of the shared ocean. Seychelles-India ties: At Seychelles’ 50th Independence celebrations in New Delhi, India’s environment and external affairs minister highlighted decades of cooperation, including people-to-people links and Seychelles’ environmental leadership. Tourism with a sustainability lens: Alain St. Ange is set to keynote Clevenard Open Project 2026, focusing on what tourism leaves behind for host communities—economy, culture and the environment. Wildlife spotlight: Seychelles-born birdwatching icon Bill Oddie has died, remembered for championing birds and Seychelles rarities.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles signed a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU vessel access to Seychelles waters for four years, with up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year and licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners. Marine Life Under Pressure: A new global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, calling for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieving lost gear. Ocean Noise Threat: Underwater noise linked to rising marine cargo traffic is increasingly disrupting marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Coral Recovery in the Region: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius and Seychelles—backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—aims to rebuild damaged reefs with coastal communities at the centre as bleaching events intensify. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with events in India highlighting shared ocean governance and sustainable development cooperation with India. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, boosting training in sustainable agroforestry and conservation. Tourism & Sustainability Talk: Alain St. Ange is set to deliver a keynote on tourism’s real impacts on communities, cultures and environments at Clevenard Open Project 2026.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles renewed their Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement in Brussels, granting EU vessels access for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually, with operations restarting after a February 2026 pause. Marine Protection: A new global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieving lost gear. Ocean Health & Climate Adaptation: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events intensify. Western Indian Ocean Noise: Underwater ocean noise is highlighted as a growing threat to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, focusing on sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity protection. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with major receptions in India, spotlighting long-running cooperation and ocean governance. Seychelles Tech & Trade: Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating system for African wholesalers and distributors, expanding beyond payments into inventory, invoicing and collections.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles signed a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU tuna access for four years with licences for up to 30 purse seiners and 8 longliners, targeting up to 55,000 tonnes per year while stressing ocean health. Coral Recovery: A coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles—backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—aims to rebuild damaged reefs and protect coastal livelihoods as bleaching events intensify. Marine Pollution Watch: A global study warns drifting fish aggregating devices affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger responsibility for retrieval. Western Indian Ocean Wildlife: Noise pollution is flagged as a growing threat to marine life across the region, where shipping and industrial activity can disrupt sound-dependent ecosystems. Seychelles–India Ties: Seychelles marked its 50th independence anniversary with major receptions in New Delhi, highlighting long-running cooperation with India, including environmental and ocean governance links. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, training on sustainable agroforestry and conservation to boost biodiversity and local food capacity. Tourism & Environment Debate: Alain St. Ange is set to speak at Clevenard Open Project 2026 on tourism’s role in protecting cultures and environments while driving economies. Business Innovation (Seychelles): Fusepay launched Fuse360, an AI-native operating system for African wholesalers and distributors, linking operations with payments in the same ecosystem. Passport Mobility: Seychelles topped an African passport access ranking, offering visa-free or arrival options to 114 destinations, underscoring how travel freedom varies across the continent.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU and Seychelles renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU access to Seychelles waters for four years with licences for up to 30 purse seine and 8 longline vessels to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually. Marine Life Under Pressure: A new global study in Science Advances finds drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, urging tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger company responsibility for retrieval. Ocean Noise Watch: Reporting from the Western Indian Ocean highlights how rising underwater noise from shipping can disrupt marine species that rely on sound for survival, with Seychelles and neighbours named among the most biodiverse waters. Coral Recovery in the Region: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues—backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP—targets reef rebuilding after repeated bleaching events, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and coastal livelihoods. Tourism With a Sustainability Lens: Seychelles tourism leader Alain St. Ange is set to keynote at Clevenard Open Project 2026, focusing on what tourism leaves behind for host communities, including culture and the environment. Biodiversity Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School visit, spotlighting sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity protection through international collaboration.

Marine Protection Under Pressure: A new global study in Science Advances says drifting fish aggregating devices (dFADs) affect more than half of the world’s protected marine areas, with thousands of strandings recorded across 174 protected areas (2007–2023). Researchers warn MPAs can’t stop gear released elsewhere from drifting in, harming coral reefs, entangling wildlife, and leaving communities to clear debris—pushing for tighter limits, better tracking, and stronger company responsibility. Seychelles–EU Tuna Deal: The EU and Seychelles renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol in Brussels, restoring EU access to Seychelles waters for four years, allowing up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year. Ocean Sound Threat: Noise pollution from rising marine traffic is highlighted as a growing risk to marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Coral Recovery Work: A coral reef restoration project across Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues is rebuilding damaged reefs to boost coastal protection and fisheries as bleaching events intensify. Seychelles at 50 with India: Seychelles marked its 50th Independence anniversary with events in New Delhi celebrating sustainable development and ocean governance ties with India.

Ocean Noise Watch: A new report warns that rising underwater noise from rerouted marine cargo traffic is disrupting whales, dolphins and other marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, including Seychelles waters. Fisheries Deal: The EU and Seychelles have renewed a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement, restoring EU access for up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and migratory species per year over four years. Coral Recovery: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs in Mauritius and Seychelles, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and climate resilience after major bleaching events. Local Conservation Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School focused on sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity protection. Seychelles–India Ties: At Seychelles’ 50th National Day celebrations in New Delhi, Indian officials highlighted decades of cooperation, including environmental and ocean governance leadership. Marine Wildlife Insight: Research on the world’s largest crocodiles shows they “surf” tides to travel long distances, a reminder of how strongly wildlife depends on healthy coastal waters.

Marine Conservation & Biodiversity: Noise pollution linked to rising marine cargo traffic is threatening marine life across the Western Indian Ocean, a biodiversity hotspot that includes Seychelles. Coral Recovery: A Coral Restoration Project backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP is rebuilding damaged reefs in Mauritius, Seychelles and Rodrigues, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as bleaching events intensify. Fisheries & Ocean Governance: The EU and Seychelles have renewed their sustainable tuna fisheries agreement, granting EU vessels access for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes per year, with licences for purse seine and longline fleets. Climate-Ready Tourism: The SEA Index® has extended CO₂ certification to more recreational boats, including vessels from 10 metres, with Seychelles listed among SEA Index network locations. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses under a new regulatory framework. Local Environment Education: Curieuse Island hosted an Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School focused on sustainable agroforestry, conservation and biodiversity.