Three capacity-building videos, an initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), aiming to promote aquaculture in the Indian Ocean region, were launched, yesterday, by the Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Mr Sudheer Maudhoo, at the Institut Français de Maurice in Rose Hill.
The Ambassador of the Republic of France to Mauritius, Mrs Florence Caussé-Tissier; the Director of the AFD, Mrs Laëtitia Habchi; the Secretary-General of the IORA, Mr Salman Al Farisi; and other dignitaries attended the event.
The three training videos focused on the following: Sea cucumber reproduction in Mozambique; Turbular net for seaweed farming in Tanzania; and Insect farming for supporting traditional fish farmers.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Maudhoo pointed out that the launch of the videos demonstrates the engagement to sustainable development, ocean conservation as well as harnessing the vast potential of the blue resources in the Indian Ocean.
To this end, he spoke of Government’s commitment which is to make the blue economy a new economic pillar for growth and job creation in the coming years while emphasising that the Ministry is engaged in the promotion and diversification of aquaculture with a view to increasing fish production.
The launch of the videos, the Minister stated, will serve to share knowledge on sustainable practices and innovative solutions from other coastal nations and stakeholders. “By learning from experiences, we can avoid pitfalls, adopt successful strategies and fine-tune our policies for optimal outcomes for our blue economy”, he said.
As for Ambassador Caussé-Tissier, she reiterated France’s support to the IORA through the project of promoting the blue economy and fisheries management, launched in 2020 with a technical assistance of one million euros.
Mrs Habchi, for her part, spoke of the AFD’s commitment in assisting the IORA and added that she looks forward to enhancing its partnership and collaboration.
The Secretary-General of the IORA, Mr Salman Al Farisi, dwelt on the objective of the Association which is to facilitate trade and investment as well as promote sustainable economic cooperation under its priority sectors through capacity building for the development of its 23 Member States. He also referred to France’s active role in the IORA to implement the Work Plan of Blue Economy, more specifically under the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
