On 16 November 2025, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) marked ten years since its establishment in 2015. Born from a pioneering debt conversion designed to redirect national debt into marine conservation, SeyCCAT has since raised and distributed significant funding to empower local NGOs, government agencies, community organisations, youth groups and entrepreneurs to advance sustainable ocean stewardship.
Over the past decade, SeyCCAT has delivered impact through its Blue Grants Fund and by cultivating strategic partnerships that channel investments into marine conservation and climate action aligned with national priorities.
Under the Blue Grants Fund, 97 grantees have benefited from SeyCCAT’s support, with over SCR 67 million disbursed locally. These funds have strengthened marine protection efforts, empowered the fisheries sector, promoted habitat restoration, and supported climate resilience and blue economy ventures. Notably, 48% of these projects have been women-led, surpassing global equity benchmarks and reinforcing SeyCCAT’s commitment to inclusive development.
As the trust fund grew, SeyCCAT maintained its foundational partnerships while forging new relationships with global non-profit and philanthropic organisations to expand its scope and influence. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has remained a major contributor, providing substantial support to the original debt conversion and an additional USD 3.9 million toward the development of the Seychelles Marine SpatialPlan (SMSP).
Recognising the scale of financing required for the SMSP, SeyCCAT mobilised further support from Oceans 5, which contributed USD 900,000, and from the Blue Nature Alliance, which channelled USD 2.3 million through SeyCCAT to enhance the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and support MPA authorities. These investments enabled Seychelles to strengthen its national marine governance and successfully finalise the SMSP in mid-2025.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has also been a key partner, investing USD 1.57 million through SeyCCAT to advance blue carbon science and policy. This collaboration has driven achievements such as the mapping of seagrass meadows across Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone and the official recognition of Creole terms for seagrass, helping to build national awareness of this critical marine habitat. Further, through its role in the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) Regional Implementation Team, SeyCCAT has helped secure and coordinate funding for local civil society organisations implementing ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives across Seychelles and the broader Indian Ocean biodiversity hotspot.
To celebrate its first decade of success, SeyCCAT hosted a series of events from 16 to 19 November 2025,
bringing together international partners, local grantees, and community stakeholders. A Blue Grants Fund symposium showcased projects demonstrating meaningful conservation outcomes and innovative blue economy solutions. In a separate session, dedicated to the 2024 Ocean X expedition, young Seychellois scientists who had received support from SeyCCAT shared findings and personal experiences from this remarkable expedition.
As part of the celebration, a three-day exhibition, open to the public and hosted at Kenwyn House, highlighted SeyCCAT’s ten most significant achievements. The exhibition showcased initiatives undertaken from national policy development to community-driven actions. During the event, Interim Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Vania Robert reaffirmed that partnerships at every level, from international collaborators to local civil societies, remain central to SeyCCAT’s success. “This exhibition is a powerful testament of what can be achieved when local knowledge, passion and financial expertise come together to drive positive change.” stated Mrs. Robert.
SeyCCAT extends its sincere appreciation to the partners and sponsors who supported both the anniversary celebrations and the organisation’s mission over the years. These include the Save Our Seas Foundation, Constance Lemuria, Air Seychelles, Nouvobanq, Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Raffles Seychelles, Ocean Air Travel, Oasis, Mason’s Travel, Land Marine and Eden Bleu.
Special recognition is also given to international partners, including The Nature Conservancy, The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Blue Nature Alliance, the Global Fund for Coral Reef (GFCR) and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, for their unwavering commitment and collaboration.
Looking ahead, SeyCCAT is well-positioned to lead the next generation of ocean finance, grounded in national priorities, powered by partnerships, and inspired by the communities it serves. The foundation has been laid; the decade ahead will focus on scaling impact, strengthening systems and sustaining success in Seychelles and across the globe.