AGP Executive Report

Sustainable Fisheries: The EU has renewed its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Seychelles, restarting access for EU purse seine and longline vessels for four years to catch up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually. Coral Recovery: A new coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles, backed by the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, is rebuilding damaged reefs with coastal communities at the center as bleaching events in 1998, 2016 and 2024 continue to hit the region. Connectivity for Islands: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition to households and businesses as the government targets reliable, affordable internet under a regulatory framework. Blue-Carbon in Yachting: The SEA Index CO₂ certification has expanded beyond superyachts to include recreational boats from 10 metres and more vessel types, with Seychelles listed among the network locations. Local Nature & Livelihoods: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, spotlighting sustainable agroforestry, conservation training and biodiversity work through international partnerships. Tourism Links: Emerald Cruises announced new Seychelles sailings on Emerald Kaia, including routes that reach remote atolls and marine-rich stops across the Indian Ocean.

EU–Seychelles Fisheries: The EU has renewed its Sustainable Fisheries Partnership protocol with Seychelles for four years, restoring access for up to 55,000 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually after the previous deal expired on 23 February 2026. Coral Reef Recovery: A new coral reef restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles—supported by the Adaptation Fund and delivered with UNDP—puts coastal communities at the center as reefs recover from repeated bleaching and storm damage. Green Training in Nature: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, strengthening sustainable agroforestry, livestock training, and biodiversity conservation through international collaboration. Seychelles Connectivity: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband competition to households and businesses under a regulatory framework. AU Water Focus: Seychelles’ foreign minister, Barry Faure, arrived in Addis Ababa for the AU Executive Council session on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems. Blue Economy & Ports: Transport officials discussed consolidating maritime and port investments and updating national maritime strategy work. SEA Index CO₂ Certification: The SEA Index expanded CO₂ emissions certification for recreational yachts to more vessel types, including smaller boats and catamarans, with methodology developed with Lloyd’s Register.

Coral Reef Recovery: A new coral restoration push across Mauritius and Seychelles is rebuilding damaged reef ecosystems with support from the Adaptation Fund and UNDP, aiming to protect shorelines, fisheries and tourism as repeated bleaching events (1998, 2016, 2024) and storms keep stressing the region’s reefs. Biodiversity & Training: Curieuse Island hosted the Erasmus GreenTraINT Summer School, spotlighting sustainable agroforestry and conservation training with Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority partners. Seychelles Connectivity: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles’ telecom market, giving households and businesses satellite broadband access while regulators stress fair competition and consumer protection. Ocean & Emissions Standards: The SEA Index® CO₂ certification has expanded beyond large yachts to cover more recreational boats and catamarans, with Seychelles listed among the network marinas. Blue Economy Tourism Links: Seychelles is exploring cooperation with Indonesia’s Pemapak hot springs to grow nature-based tourism and visitor numbers. Maritime Safety & Trade: Transport officials in Angola discussed consolidating maritime and port investments and updating the national maritime strategy, as sea routes carry most international trade. Wildlife-Linked Travel Spotlight: Beach.com’s 2026 ranking put Greece’s Elafonissi Beach in the global top two, with snorkelling over coral reefs highlighted.

Telecom Access: Seychelles has officially opened its market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses and adding a new competitor as the country pushes digital transformation under SCRA oversight. Marine Climate Standards: The SEA Index CO₂ certification has expanded beyond superyachts to cover recreational boats from 10 metres, production vessels and catamarans, with new models developed with Lloyd’s Register to make emissions comparisons more accessible. Biodiversity Baseline: Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, building scientific baselines for terrestrial and marine life to guide conservation, biosecurity and long-term monitoring amid hotel development. Reef Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to train young “ocean guardians” on coral reef threats and hands-on restoration using reef stars. Blue Economy & Tourism Links: India–Seychelles talks following Modi’s June visit highlighted new cooperation areas for the blue economy, including maritime and digital payments. Sustainable Yachting Growth: SEA Index partners and the wider recreational fleet can now use the expanded certification, while Seychelles remains part of the network through marinas. Fisheries Subsidies Support: The WTO Fish Fund approved $2.2m in grants to help countries implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, including needs assessments and stronger reporting and data systems. Tourism Development Watch: Seychelles President’s envoy visited Berau’s Pemapak hot springs, where Seychelles interest in nature-based tourism partnerships is being explored.

Telecom shake-up: Seychelles has officially opened its market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses and adding a new competitor as the government pushes digital transformation under SCRA oversight. Marine emissions rules: The Yacht Club de Monaco’s SEA Index expanded CO₂ certification beyond superyachts to include recreational boats from 10 metres, production vessels and catamarans, with new models developed with Lloyd’s Register. Biodiversity on the move: Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity baseline assessments on Assomption Island, covering land and marine life, invasive plants and biosecurity needs to guide future conservation and monitoring. Reef education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited a Praslin school to train Year 3 students on coral reefs, threats and hands-on restoration using reef stars. Blue economy ties: India and Seychelles’ recent Modi visit produced 19 outcomes across maritime cooperation, digital payments and agriculture, pointing to wider blue-economy collaboration. Tourism and nature: Emerald Cruises launched new November 2026 Seychelles & Indian Ocean sailings on Emerald Kaia, with access to secluded anchorages and protected marine ecosystems. Wildlife risk: Authorities reported illegal tortoises being offered for sale online, a reminder that wildlife trafficking remains a live threat.

Telecom Competition in Seychelles: Starlink has officially entered Seychelles’ telecommunications market, with the soft launch announced at State House and regulators saying the move should boost reliable, affordable broadband while keeping a strong consumer-focused regulatory framework. Marine Carbon Standards: The SEA Index CO₂ certification has expanded beyond superyachts to cover more recreational boats and catamarans, with new models developed with Lloyd’s Register—potentially giving Seychelles-linked marinas and owners clearer emissions benchmarks. Reef Protection in Schools: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Vijay International School on Praslin to teach students about coral threats and hands-on reef restoration using “reef stars,” pushing responsible reef and beach behaviour. Biodiversity Baseline for Assomption: The Seychelles Islands Foundation completed independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island to set scientific baselines for conservation management, biosecurity planning, and long-term monitoring. Blue Economy Diplomacy: A review of India–Seychelles cooperation highlights new bilateral outcomes from Prime Minister Modi’s June visit, including maritime collaboration and blue economy opportunities. Illegal Wildlife Trade Alert: Reports from Singapore describe tortoises advertised via TikTok and Telegram, including Aldabra giant tortoises native to Seychelles, raising concerns about cross-border trafficking.

Connectivity & Competition: Seychelles has officially opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses and adding a new rival to traditional telcos, with regulators stressing consumer protection and fair competition. Marine Climate Action: The SEA Index CO₂ certification has expanded beyond superyachts to cover more recreational boats, including vessels from 10 metres and production catamarans up to 35 metres, with Lloyd’s Register support and Seychelles included in the network of marinas. Biodiversity on Assomption: The Seychelles Islands Foundation completed independent biodiversity baseline assessments on Assomption Island, covering land and marine life plus invasive plants, to guide conservation management and biosecurity planning ahead of hotel development. Reef Restoration Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach coral reef threats and hands-on restoration using reef stars at Cousin Island Special Reserve. Tourism & Land Restoration: Seychelles-linked candlenut cultivation talks are underway in Berau, aiming to rehabilitate post-mining land while boosting local livelihoods. Wildlife Crime Alert: Illegal tortoises, including Aldabra species native to Seychelles, were marketed for sale in Singapore via TikTok and Telegram, highlighting ongoing trafficking risks.

Clean Shipping Standards: The Yacht Club de Monaco’s SEA Index® has expanded its CO₂ certification beyond superyachts to cover recreational boats from 10 metres, production monohulls and catamarans up to 35 metres, with new benchmark models developed with Lloyd’s Register—aiming to make emissions comparisons fairer across different vessel types. Local Connectivity Push: Seychelles has opened its telecom market to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses and adding a new competitor as the country pursues digital transformation under the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority’s oversight. Marine Nature on the Ground: Seychelles Islands Foundation biodiversity baseline work on Assomption Island is now complete, mapping terrestrial and marine life (including invasive plants and marine turtles) to guide future conservation, biosecurity and monitoring. Reef Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach students about coral reefs and hands-on restoration using reef stars at Cousin Island Special Reserve. Tourism & Ocean Access: Emerald Cruises announced new November 2026 Seychelles & Indian Ocean sailings aboard Emerald Kaia, highlighting access to remote atolls and protected marine ecosystems. Wildlife Crime Alert: Illegal tortoises were marketed for sale in Singapore via TikTok and Telegram, including Aldabra giant tortoises native to Seychelles—raising concerns about trafficking and enforcement.

Connectivity & Regulation: Seychelles has officially opened its telecom market to Starlink, giving households and businesses satellite broadband and adding a new competitor as the government pushes digital transformation under a “fair competition” regulatory push. Marine & Climate Standards: The Yacht Club de Monaco’s SEA Index expanded CO₂ certification beyond superyachts to include recreational boats from 10 metres, production vessels and catamarans—aiming to make emissions comparisons more accessible for ports, marinas and insurers, including in Seychelles. Biodiversity Baselines: Seychelles Islands Foundation completed independent biodiversity baseline assessments on Assomption Island, covering land and marine life plus invasive plants, to guide conservation management and biosecurity as hotel development continues. Reef Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach coral reef threats and restoration, including hands-on coral restoration using “reef stars.” Blue Economy & Tourism Links: India–Seychelles cooperation is highlighted around blue economy opportunities following Modi’s June visit, spanning maritime cooperation and development finance. Fisheries Subsidies: The WTO Fish Fund approved $2.2m in grants to help developing members implement the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, supporting needs assessments, reporting and regulatory upgrades.

Starlink in Seychelles: The Seychelles telecom market has officially opened to Starlink, bringing satellite broadband to households and businesses and raising the stakes for fair competition under the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority. Cleaner boating emissions: The Yacht Club de Monaco’s SEA Index expanded CO₂ certification beyond superyachts to recreational boats from 10 metres, with Seychelles and other marinas in the network—pushing more comparable emissions data across vessel types. Reef protection in action: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Praslin schools to teach students about coral threats and hands-on restoration using “reef stars” deployed at Raffles Seychelles Resort. Biodiversity baseline for Assomption: Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island to set scientific baselines for future conservation, biosecurity planning and long-term monitoring. Tourism and nature links: Berau and Seychelles explored candlenut cultivation on post-mining lands, while Emerald Cruises launched new Seychelles sailings on Emerald Kaia, highlighting remote atolls and marine ecosystems. Connectivity and the blue economy: A new look at India–Seychelles cooperation points to blue economy opportunities tied to maritime capacity, digital payments and ocean-based development.

Seychelles–ASEAN tourism ties: Seychelles’ President’s Special Envoy visited Berau’s Pemapak Hot Springs in Indonesia, where local authorities are exploring partnerships to boost nature-based tourism and visitor numbers. Marine conservation baseline: The Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, building new terrestrial and marine baselines to guide conservation, biosecurity, and long-term monitoring. Reef education in Praslin: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers brought coral-reef lessons and hands-on restoration training to Year 3 students at Vijay International School on Praslin. Post-mining land restoration: Berau and Seychelles discussed candlenut (kemiri sunan) cultivation on former coal mining sites, aiming to rehabilitate degraded land while supporting local livelihoods. Blue economy diplomacy: A new analysis highlights India–Seychelles blue economy cooperation after PM Modi’s June visit, spanning maritime collaboration and development finance. Tourism at sea: Emerald Cruises launched new 13-day Seychelles & Indian Ocean sailings aboard Emerald Kaia, including stops at Farquhar and Aldabra. Health travel warning: Brits were warned about a surge in mosquito-borne viruses across European holiday hotspots, raising risks for travellers returning from affected areas. Wildlife crime alert: Illegal tortoises were reportedly marketed for sale in Singapore via TikTok and Telegram, including Seychelles-native Aldabra giant tortoises. SADC regional governance: SADC announced an observer mission for Zambia’s 13 August 2026 election, with training and deployment dates set for early August.

Biodiversity Baselines for Assomption: The Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, building new terrestrial and marine baseline data to guide conservation management, biosecurity planning, and long-term monitoring as hotel development continues. Ocean Education in Action: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Vijay International School on Praslin, teaching students about coral reefs, threats, and hands-on restoration using “reef stars” to help damaged reefs recover. Blue Economy Links: A report on PM Modi’s June 27–29 Seychelles visit highlights 19 bilateral outcomes across development finance, digital payments, maritime cooperation, agriculture, and institutional capacity-building—aimed at strengthening sustainable ocean-based development. Tourism Partnerships with Nature: Seychelles interest in Indonesia’s Pemapak Hot Springs is being explored, with plans focused on facilities, accommodation, and eco-tourism growth. Post-Mining Land Restoration: Berau and Seychelles are exploring candlenut (kemiri sunan) cultivation on former coal mining sites to restore degraded land while supporting local livelihoods and erosion control. Marine Heat Warning: Scientists warn the Indian Ocean is warming faster than other basins, with marine heat waves already affecting fisheries and ecosystems across the region.

Biodiversity Baselines for Assomption: The Seychelles Islands Foundation has completed independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, building scientific baseline data for land and marine life to guide conservation, biosecurity planning, and long-term monitoring as hotel development continues. Ocean Education in Action: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Vijay International School on Praslin to teach students about coral reefs, threats, and hands-on restoration using reef stars—turning young people into “ocean guardians.” Illegal Wildlife Trade Watch: A Singapore crackdown uncovered tortoises advertised on TikTok and Telegram, including Aldabra giant tortoises native to Seychelles—highlighting ongoing risks to threatened species and the need for stronger enforcement. Climate & Fisheries Warning: A new report warns the Indian Ocean is warming faster than other basins, driving marine heat waves and shifting fish locations—raising alarms for coastal livelihoods across the region. Tourism Cooperation: Seychelles’ interest in developing Indonesia’s Pemapak Hot Springs as a nature-based tourism site was discussed during a visit by the Seychelles President’s Special Envoy to ASEAN. Local Governance & Media Independence: Seychelles’ SBC bill becomes law, with debate focused on board appointments and safeguards for public broadcaster independence. Reef Restoration & Community: Students and resort visitors were shown practical ways to protect reefs and behave responsibly in marine areas, linking education to real-world conservation.

Biodiversity Baselines for Assomption: The Seychelles Islands Foundation commissioned independent biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, building scientific baselines for land and marine life to guide conservation management, biosecurity planning, and long-term monitoring amid ongoing hotel development. Ocean Education for Reef Recovery: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Vijay International School on Praslin, teaching students about coral reef threats and hands-on restoration using reef stars at Raffles Seychelles Resort. Tourism Nature Potential: Seychelles’ President’s Special Envoy to ASEAN, Nico Barito, visited Indonesia’s Pemapak Hot Springs, where officials say Seychelles investors could help scale nature-based tourism after visitor numbers rose following renovations. Climate Finance Oversight: Seychelles’ Committee on Environment, Fisheries & Tourism (CEFT) mapped its climate finance strategy as it takes on a steering role for the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project. Wildlife Crime Watch: Illegal tortoises were advertised for sale in Singapore via TikTok and Telegram, including Aldabra giant tortoises native to Seychelles, highlighting ongoing risks to protected wildlife. Health Travel Warning: UK authorities warned of a surge in mosquito-borne viruses across European holiday hotspots, raising risks for travellers returning from affected regions.

Assomption Biodiversity Baseline: The Seychelles Islands Foundation has completed independent terrestrial and marine biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, covering giant tortoises, landbirds, marine turtles, invasive plants and coastal habitats—aimed at guiding future conservation management and biosecurity as hotel development continues. Reef Rescuers Education Push: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Vijay International School on Praslin to teach coral reef threats and hands-on restoration using “reef stars,” urging students to protect reefs responsibly. Illegal Wildlife Trade Alert: Singapore authorities report tortoises being marketed and sold via TikTok and Telegram, including Aldabra giant tortoises native to Seychelles—highlighting ongoing risks to protected species. Blue Economy Link: A review of outcomes from PM Modi’s June 2026 Seychelles visit points to expanded cooperation on the blue economy, including maritime and digital payments initiatives. Climate Finance Oversight: Seychelles’ Committee on Environment, Fisheries & Tourism (CEFT) mapped a climate finance strategy and set a work plan for the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project. Tourism Governance Angle: A new piece argues tourism needs stronger governance—impact assessments and better public-private partnerships—not just promotion. Indian Ocean Warming Warning: Scientists warn the Indian Ocean is warming faster than other basins, with marine heat waves already disrupting fisheries and ecosystems. Seychelles-Linked Forex Regulation: A guide explains how Seychelles-regulated forex brokers operate and what traders should watch for as the market matures.

Assomption Biodiversity Baseline: The Seychelles Islands Foundation has completed independent terrestrial and marine biodiversity assessments on Assomption Island, building scientific baselines for future conservation, biosecurity planning, and long-term monitoring as hotel development continues. Surveys covered Aldabra giant tortoises, landbirds, ants, butterflies, marine turtles, invasive alien plants (mapped via drone imagery), and coastal/shallow marine habitats. Reef Rescuers Education: Nature Seychelles Reef Rescuers visited Vijay International School on Praslin, teaching Year 3 students about coral reefs, threats, and hands-on restoration using reef stars at Raffles Seychelles Resort. Illegal Wildlife Trade: Singapore authorities are dealing with a TikTok/Telegram network that marketed illegal tortoises, including Aldabra giant tortoises native to Seychelles, with buyers directed to pay and arrange delivery. Climate Finance in Parliament: Seychelles’ Committee on Environment, Fisheries & Tourism (CEFT) mapped out its climate finance strategy as it takes on a steering role for the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance project. Ocean Warming Warning: A new report highlights how marine heat waves are already shifting fish and ecosystems across the Indian Ocean, with scientists warning of wider impacts ahead. Circular Economy Tourism: Fregate Island’s planned reopening later this year will add an on-site distillery using surplus island produce, linking waste-to-wealth composting with lower energy use.