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BGF#3

Type: Small

SeyCCAT strategic objective: Empower the fisheries sector with robust science and knowhow to improve governance, sustainability, value and market place options.

Lead Project Partner: Nathalie Duval

Partners: Ministry of Education and Human Resources and Department of Blue Economy

Summary:

It was around the year 2007 that ‘Blue Economy’ began to be mentioned in Seychelles. Clearly, it was not too popular and minimal attention and notice were placed on this new term locally. It is not a surprise that to many Seychellois it was seen as a jest or probably even as propaganda backed up by a political agenda to secure votes during presidential elections. However, as time passed, this has been proven to be a misconception. Conversely, the ‘Blue Economy’ is viewed and is well established as a priority. Amongst some circles of the society, it is no longer only a talk or a catchphrase but has developed into a brand and a brand new economy for Seychelles. The Blue Economy provides sustainable development as well as impacting the world by crafting a new sustainable future. If we desire that the Blue Economy takes centre stage in the development of our country, there is a need to intensifying the area of educating the youths of Seychelles through the ‘Blue Education’ on the ‘Blue Economy’. The project is aimed at targeting the fishing industry especially on what it entails, the ongoing processes and how it will impact their future especially on how they can actively be a part of it.

As of now, the Ministry of Education has not yet directly integrated the ‘Blue Economy’ as a topic within the national curriculum neither has objectives within the ‘Fisheries’ syllabus which students at the Secondary 3 level cover the topic ‘Fisheries’ during their geography and TE from Secondary 1 to Secondary 5 (secondary 4 and 5 is optional). But in the meantime, something concrete needs to be done in order to introduce Blue Economy to the students. Therefore, this project proposes the creation of a workbook that can be used to educate the secondary school students on the various aspects of the ‘Blue Economy’ mainly the fisheries sector through the ‘Blue Education’.

Certainly, emphasis must be placed on the area of education. This project must not be regarded as a mere mechanism of mass propaganda or publicity to create awareness on the ‘Blue Economy’. On the contrary, it aims at educating the youths by imparting knowledge, skills and understanding pertaining to various areas of the ‘Blue Economy’ focusing on past, current and ongoing research and projects related to the fisheries sector, and aquaculture as a case study. When we consider the SDG, Goal 4: Quality Education, goal target 4.7 clearly states that “By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles…” If we want any aspect of the ‘Blue Economy’ to be durable and sustainable and actively engaged by the local Seychellois we ought to invest in the ‘Blue Education’, as education is the key to the development of any country and its people. Without investment in quality ‘Blue Education’, progress relating to employment or entrepreneurship in the ‘Blue Economy’ or the fisheries sector will be slow-moving or might eventually stagnate.

Furthermore, education is true as a crucial and essential part to ensure healthy lifestyles and promote well-being for young people. When our youths are better educated in eating a healthy diet which included fish, the future generation is much less vulnerable to health risks. Apart from contributing in the areas of employment and entrepreneurship, education helps fight the area unhealthy lifestyle and improve health and take steps to prevent illnesses through a healthy lifestyle that a “Blue Diet” can offer.  Surely, SDG 4 “Life Below Water” when directly addressed in the workbook will impact our young learners to become active citizens in promoting and conserving the environment not only until they complete the last page of the workbook but lifelong. Quality Educational materials in the form of workbooks for the secondary school students will surely help promote lifelong learning opportunities. In addition to self-education, it is possible that this educational material will create opportunities for them to educate others in their homes, schools and communities

SeyCCAT funds:   SCR 100, 000

Co-financing:

Duration: November 2019 – October 2020.

Project Application Form: SeyCCAT-BGF-Nathalie Duval- Concept Note

Environment and social management plans: None required.

 

Now available! Digital Copy

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