Enhancing skills exchange in the blue economy

The inaugural session of the ERASMUS Blue HEI project, organized by the University of Seychelles (UniSey), convened educators and delegates from various regional universities—discussions centered on diverse strategies to advance the blue economy.

Dr. Jérôme Harlay, Acting Director of the Blue Economy Research Institute (BERI) at UniSey, elucidated the project’s objective: to facilitate the transfer of academic expertise to the public sector. Local students stand to gain from both domestic and international training opportunities, fostering a comprehensive skill set.

The blue economy stands as a cornerstone of Seychelles’ economic landscape. Yet, it’s imperative to consider advancements in neighboring nations like Madagascar and Comoros, which boast innovative initiatives worth sharing.

Central to the project is the establishment of robust connections among participants. Representatives from Madagascar, Mauritius, Portugal, and the University of Alicante spearhead this endeavor. The ERASMUS+ program, under the auspices of the European Union, provides the requisite financial backing.

The grant application process was fiercely competitive, with only 150 proposals selected from 800 submissions. Notably, the three-day session welcomed representatives from the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission for the Indian Ocean and regional enterprises.