AGP Executive Report

Western Indian Ocean Conservation: Nairobi Convention members at COP12 adopted regional plans to tackle plastic pollution, protect seagrass, mangroves and critical habitats, and improve responses to marine pollution emergencies. Outer-Island Development: Islands Development Company is partnering with resort operators across its islands, aiming to balance commercial development with environmental responsibility. Aldabra Tortoises: A survey estimates nearly 183,000 adult and sub-adult giant tortoises on Aldabra, the highest recorded count. Researchers say the population was stable from 2018 to 2022, a recovery built on decades of protection. Whale Habitat: Climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat in the southwest Indian Ocean, but key areas remain off Seychelles and Mauritius. Researchers say protection must adapt as suitable habitat shifts.

Outer-Island Development: The Islands Development Company is partnering with resort operators across its island portfolio, saying commercial growth and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. Aldabra Conservation: A survey by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and University of Exeter estimates nearly 183,000 adult and sub-adult giant tortoises on Aldabra—the highest recorded figure. Numbers were relatively stable from 2018 to 2022, reflecting decades of protection, though the count alone does not mean the species is safe. Whale Protection: A southwest Indian Ocean study warns that climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat, while identifying lasting core areas off Seychelles and Mauritius. Researchers say protection should adapt as habitats shift. Regional Ocean Action: At the Nairobi Convention’s COP12, Tanzania called for stronger regional cooperation and sustainable financing to tackle shared threats including climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and coastal degradation.

Western Indian Ocean Cooperation: At the Nairobi Convention’s COP12 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania called for stronger regional cooperation, sustainable funding and action on climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss — challenges shared across the Seychelles’ ocean region. Aldabra Conservation: A survey by the Seychelles Islands Foundation and University of Exeter estimates nearly 183,000 adult and sub-adult giant tortoises on Aldabra, the highest recorded population. Numbers were stable from 2018 to 2022, underscoring the gains from decades of protection, though drought, rising seas and invasive species remain concerns. Whale Protection: Climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat in the southwest Indian Ocean, but researchers identified core areas off Seychelles and Mauritius that may remain suitable. They say protection must cover wide areas and adapt as habitat shifts.

Ocean Protection: A southwest Indian Ocean study warns that climate change could shrink sperm whale habitat, but identifies enduring core areas off Seychelles and Mauritius. Researchers say protection must cover broad, connected waters and adapt as habitats shift. Aldabra Tortoises: A five-year survey estimates about 180,000 giant tortoises on Aldabra, a remarkable recovery from fewer than 1,000 after past exploitation. The population was stable during the study, but the high count alone does not mean the species is safe. Seabird Conservation: On rat-free D’Arros, researchers counted 2,768 wedge-tailed shearwater pairs, nearly ten times the 2009 estimate—an encouraging sign for local wildlife monitoring.

Aldabra Recovery: A new survey estimates about 180,000 giant tortoises live on Aldabra Atoll—more than Seychelles’ human population. Monitoring from 2018 to 2022 found the population stable; researchers caution the higher estimate reflects improved counting, not necessarily a near-doubling. Once reduced to fewer than 1,000 by hunting, the tortoises rebounded under long-term protection. Seabird Comeback: On rat-free D’Arros Island, wedge-tailed shearwater numbers rose from about 254 breeding pairs in 2009 to 2,768 in 2016, showing how removing invasive species can help wildlife recover. Ocean Protection: Seychelles’ debt-for-conservation deal helped fund marine protection covering 30% of its waters by 2020, balancing biodiversity safeguards with the island nation’s reliance on the sea.

Aldabra Conservation: A new survey estimates nearly 183,000 adult and sub-adult giant tortoises on Aldabra Atoll, the highest recorded population and the first update since the late 1990s. Researchers say numbers were stable from 2018 to 2022, highlighting the results of long-term protection. Climate Risks: An exceptionally strong El Niño could disrupt rainfall and raise food and energy pressures worldwide, adding to concerns about climate impacts on island nations. Regional Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission have agreed to support projects on climate response, fisheries and food security, including for Seychelles. Seabird Recovery: On D’Arros Island, wedge-tailed shearwater pairs rose from an estimated 254 in 2009 to 2,768 in 2016 after invasive rats were eradicated; a 2021 count found 2,406 pairs. Ocean Protection: Seychelles’ debt-swap conservation programme helped expand marine protected areas to 30% of its waters, balancing biodiversity protection with the needs of communities reliant on the sea.

Seychelles’ Tortoise Legacy: Scientists studying Jonathan, the nearly 194-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise, found genetic traits linked to DNA repair and other processes that may help explain his exceptional lifespan. Jonathan is thought to have hatched in Seychelles. Regional Ocean Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission agreed to support projects on climate response, fisheries, food security and maritime issues, including priorities for Seychelles and other island members. Coco de Mer: The rare palm grows naturally only on Praslin and Curieuse; its giant seed stores nutrients that help young plants survive. Island Wildlife Recovery: On rat-free D’Arros, wedge-tailed shearwater numbers rose from 254 breeding pairs in 2009 to more than 2,700 by 2016, showing the gains possible when invasive species are removed. Marine Protection: Seychelles’ debt-swap conservation deal helped expand protected waters to 410,000 square kilometres, balancing ocean protection with fishing and tourism.

Wildlife: Jonathan, the Seychelles-born Aldabra giant tortoise now living on Saint Helena, is estimated to be about 194. Researchers say his genes may help explain his exceptional longevity, including traits linked to DNA repair and cell health. Rare Flora: A feature spotlights the coco de mer, which grows naturally only on Praslin and Curieuse and produces the world’s largest seed. Regional Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission have agreed on a framework for cooperation funding, with planned work on climate response, fisheries, food security and maritime issues. Climate Readiness: A regional outlook warns of varied hazards, including heat, heavy rain and cyclone risk for island states, with possible effects on water, fisheries and marine ecosystems. Island Conservation: On rat-free D’Arros, wedge-tailed shearwater pairs rose from 254 in 2009 to 2,768 in 2016, highlighting the impact of removing invasive species. Seychelles’ marine protection also drew attention: a debt-swap deal helped fund conservation and expand protected waters to 410,000 square kilometres by 2020.

Regional Cooperation: South Korea and the Indian Ocean Commission have agreed a framework for funding projects on maritime security, climate response, fisheries and food security, bringing Seychelles and its regional partners into closer cooperation. Western Indian Ocean: A regional ocean conference in Tanzania this week is focusing on marine pollution, illegal fishing, climate change and coastal ecosystem loss. Island Biodiversity: On rat-free D’Arros Island, wedge-tailed shearwater numbers rose from 254 breeding pairs in 2009 to 2,768 in 2016, showing the gains possible when invasive species are removed. Climate Readiness: A forecast hosted by the Seychelles Meteorological Agency warns the region to prepare for varied hazards, including heat, heavy rain, flooding and cyclone risks, with potential effects on water, food, fisheries and marine ecosystems. Ocean Protection: Seychelles’ debt-swap conservation deal helped fund marine protection across 410,000 square kilometres of ocean, balancing biodiversity safeguards with livelihoods tied to fishing and tourism.

Sailing & Youth Development: The Star Sailors League is expanding its Emerging Nations Programme, moving its training centre to Seychelles and bringing teams from Senegal, Madagascar, Tanzania and Libya together to build national squads and local sailing communities. Cybersecurity & Local Links: New data says AI-driven phishing attacks on US financial firms surged to nearly 40,000 in H1 2026, with reports pointing to a Seychelles-based bulletproof hosting provider helping attackers stay anonymous. Biodiversity Targets: With the 30×30 goal due in 2030, a new assessment warns progress is uneven—about 20% of land and 10% of ocean protected—pushing leaders to debate how much more must be conserved. Ocean Conservation for Seychelles: A DiCaprio-backed debt-swap helped Seychelles expand protected ocean coverage to 30% by 2020, supporting marine spatial planning and large Marine Protection Areas. Climate Risk in the SW Indian Ocean: Seychelles hosted a regional forum warning of multiple hazards for Oct–Dec 2026 and Jan–Mar 2027, including drought and flooding depending on location. Water Investment Call: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged turning Africa’s water commitments into bankable projects to close the continent’s water investment gap. Regional Marine Cooperation: Tanzania is set to host COP12 to the Nairobi Convention (Oct 6–9), aiming to tackle marine pollution, illegal fishing and coastal ecosystem damage.

Biodiversity Deadline Watch: New reporting ahead of the next 30×30 summit in Yerevan shows countries have protected about 20% of land and 10% of ocean—far short of the 2030 promise to safeguard 30%—as leaders debate what more must be protected and where. Western Indian Ocean Climate Risk: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook Forum says Seychelles and neighbours should plan for multiple hazards: drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, plus extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and cyclone risk for island states. Ocean Conservation Funding: A debt-swap backed by Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation helped Seychelles expand protected ocean coverage to 30% by 2020, supporting marine spatial planning and large Marine Protection Areas. Local Nature Win: On D’Arros Island, scientists report wedge-tailed shearwater pairs rebounded dramatically after rat eradication—an 11-fold rise by 2016—highlighting how invasive species control can restore biodiversity. Regional Cooperation for Safety: Seychelles-linked professionals joined a Madagascar training programme to strengthen maritime search and rescue cooperation across the Western Indian Ocean. Water Investment Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Africa to turn water commitments into bankable projects as the continent works to close its water investment gap.

Climate diplomacy divide: UN leaders at the High-level Week General Debate clashed over how fast to cut fossil fuels, who pays for the transition, and how to protect vulnerable communities as Pacific islands warn sea-level threats are existential. Regional ocean safety: Seychelles joined a Mahajanga, Madagascar training push under the MSARC framework, bringing maritime professionals from eight countries together for practical search-and-rescue drills. Seychelles debt-for-ocean win: A DiCaprio-backed debt-swap helped Seychelles expand protected ocean coverage from 0.04% to 30%, supporting marine spatial planning and long-term conservation. Biodiversity rebound on D’Arros: After invasive rats were eradicated, scientists reported wedge-tailed shearwater pairs rising from about 254 (2009) to 2,768 (2016), showing how targeted action can restore wildlife. Water investment push: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged turning Africa’s water commitments into bankable projects, linking water funding to food security, resilience, and poverty reduction. Seychelles development finance: The African Development Bank approved $34m for economic resilience and greener growth, including public financial management upgrades and climate resilience reforms. South-West Indian Ocean multi-hazard outlook: Seychelles hosted a regional forum warning October–March 2026/27 could bring drought and flooding risks depending on location, with knock-on effects for health, fisheries, and ecosystems.

Ocean Conservation Funding: A landmark debt-swap backed by Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation helped Seychelles turn foreign debt into long-term ocean protection, expanding marine protected areas from 0.04% of its EEZ to 30% by 2020, with plans for marine spatial planning. Biodiversity Recovery on D’Arros: After invasive rats were eradicated from D’Arros Island, scientists reported wedge-tailed shearwater pairs rising from about 254 in 2009 to 2,768 in 2016, showing how fast ecosystems can rebound. Regional Ocean Cooperation: Tanzania is set to host COP12 to the Nairobi Convention (Oct 6–9), aiming to coordinate action on marine pollution, illegal fishing, climate change and coastal ecosystem degradation across the Western Indian Ocean. Climate Hazards for the South-West Indian Ocean: The Seychelles-hosted climate outlook warns of multiple hazards for Oct–Dec 2026 and Jan–Mar 2027, including drought and flooding risks depending on location, plus marine impacts and cyclone threats. Water Investment Push for Africa: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged turning water commitments into bankable projects to close Africa’s water investment gap, linking water to food security, poverty reduction and climate resilience. Seychelles Development Finance: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to support greener growth, public financial management upgrades, and climate resilience, adding to $84m total since 2024. Local Sports & Community: A Regatta Boxing Tournament in Beau Vallon brought youth fighters into the spotlight outdoors, while Kenya’s Oduor begins a Starlets overhaul focused on patience, competition and new senior call-ups.

Ocean Conservation Finance: A landmark debt-swap backed by Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation helped Seychelles convert $21.6m of foreign debt into long-term ocean protection, expanding marine protections from 0.04% of its EEZ to 30% by 2020 and creating Marine Protection Areas covering 410,000 sq km—bigger than Germany—alongside plans for a marine spatial plan. Island Biodiversity Recovery: On rat-free D’Arros Island, scientists reported wedge-tailed shearwater pairs rising from about 254 in 2009 to 2,768 in 2016, showing how invasive rat removal can trigger major seabird rebounds. Water Investment Push: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged stronger, bankable investment in Africa’s water sector, linking water funding to food security, poverty reduction, climate resilience and sustainable development. Regional Climate Risk for the SW Indian Ocean: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook Forum warned governments and communities to prepare for multiple hazards—drought and heat in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and for island states a flexible approach covering extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and cyclone risk. Seychelles Economic Resilience Funding: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan for Seychelles’ Economic Resilience and Green Recovery programme, supporting greener growth, public financial management upgrades, and climate resilience. Peer Learning for Weather Services: A technical session highlighted how member-to-member cooperation can strengthen national meteorological and hydrological services, with Seychelles’ planning and staffing links cited as a model.

Water Investment Gap: Seychelles President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Africa to turn water-sector promises into bankable projects, linking better water funding to food security, poverty reduction, climate resilience and sustainable development, ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Ocean Conservation & Shared Habitats: A new push for “connected ocean” protection highlights why sea turtles and other migratory species can’t be safeguarded by one country alone, calling for regional cooperation and financing across the Western Indian Ocean. Regional Climate Preparedness: The South-West Indian Ocean Climate Outlook Forum says Seychelles and neighbours must plan for multiple hazards—drought and heat in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, plus extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and cyclone risk for island states. Seychelles Biodiversity Work: Continued exploration of Silhouette’s Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) by ICS focuses on protecting rare species and habitats, building on Seychelles’ earlier KBA assessments. Coral Recovery in Seychelles: Nature Seychelles’ Assisted Recovery of Coral (ARC) programme uses sexual reproduction to grow genetically diverse corals, with early results reporting settlement and growth of about 65,000 young corals. SIDS Leadership: President Dr Patrick Herminie was elected to lead the SIDS DOCK Assembly’s Tenth Session, reinforcing Seychelles’ role on sustainable energy, climate resilience and development for small island states.

Ocean Conservation & Blue Economy: A new push argues sea turtles show why Western Indian Ocean protection can’t stop at borders—shared habitats and shared funding are needed to safeguard migratory species, reefs, mangroves and seagrasses that also support food, livelihoods, tourism and storm protection. Climate Outlook for the South-West Indian Ocean: Seychelles hosted a regional forum warning October 2026–March 2027 could bring multiple hazards: drought and water stress in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas, and island risks including extreme heat, heavy rain, marine impacts and tropical cyclone threats—calling for flexible preparedness. SIDS Ocean Governance & Financing: AOSIS leaders met in New York with President Patrick Herminie urging practical implementation on climate change, ocean governance and sustainable development, including stronger international financing for small island states. Seychelles Economic Resilience & Greener Growth: The African Development Bank approved a $34m loan to strengthen public services, private-sector development and climate resilience, including reforms to modernise public financial management and support greener growth. Seychelles Meteorology Peer Support: A technical learning session highlighted how member-to-member cooperation can help national meteorological services build strategic plans, skills and sustainable funding—using Seychelles as a case study. Coral Recovery in Seychelles: Nature Seychelles’ Assisted Recovery of Coral (ARC) programme is expanding genetically diverse coral production, with early results reporting settlement and growth of around 65,000 young corals.