Enhancing maritime links between IOC member states

On Monday, September 30, the new Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) officially took office in Flic en Flac, Mauritius. From the start of his term, he declared that food security would be his main priority.

In his inaugural speech, Edgard Razafindravahy made it clear that food security is at the forefront of his agenda. He stated, « This is a challenge that concerns all of us and one that, I am convinced, will significantly influence our ability to build a shared future ». He emphasized that food security is a critical issue because it touches upon various aspects of life, including nutrition, health, social well-being, the environment, and the economy. He also highlighted the immense potential within the region to address this issue.

Razafindravahy pointed out that the vast arable land in Madagascar, along with the extensive maritime territory of the IOC region, offers significant potential. He mentioned that Mauritius, Réunion, the Comoros, and the Seychelles also present real opportunities in the food, agricultural, and aquaculture sectors. To realize this vision, he proposed the establishment of an IOC agricultural space.

In addition to food security, Razafindravahy stressed the importance of improving maritime links between IOC member states, a crucial factor in enhancing trade. He also expressed his commitment to maintaining regional momentum in other sectors such as climate, biodiversity, resilience, ocean management, health, education, culture, and maritime security.