LocationsThis initiative aims aiming at scaling up efforts to safeguard Seychelles' unique natural heritage while advancing sustainable and inclusive economic development.
UNDP and Ministry of Environment Sign GEF-8 Project to Advance Seychelles’ Blue and Green Economy
January 23, 2026
The project was signed by the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Alka Bhatia, and the Honourable Marie-May Jeremie, Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources
UNDP Mauritius / Sharon Sunassee
On Thursday 22 January 2026, the UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Alka Bhatia, and the Honourable Marie-May Jeremie, Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, formalised a new partnership through the signing of the GEF-8 project “Enabling the Transition to a Blue and Green Economy in the Seychelles.” This marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ signing on the single largest GEF project worth USD 10.48 million, aiming at scaling up efforts to safeguard its unique natural heritage while advancing sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Nature is the foundation of small island economies and societies, but escalating environmental threats are aggravating insecurities. As a result, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have started to lead the world in pioneering integrated development solutions that enable sustainable growth and economic diversification for food security, tourism, trade, climate resilience and development that leaves no-one behind. Classified as one of the world’s global biodiversity hotspots, Seychelles continues to demonstrate strong leadership in conservation management, despite remaining vulnerable to environmental threats leading to the loss of vital ecosystem services.
In response to these growing challenges, the Blue and Green Islands Integrated Programme (BGI-IP) has been established as a transformative solution for SIDS. Financed by the Global Environment Facility and led by UNDP, it will enable 15 SIDS, including Seychelles, to become incubators for innovation and nature-based solutions that can be scaled both within the region and globally. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to demonstrate the significant impact that SIDS, as large ocean states, can have on shaping the future of sustainable development.
Towards a resilient and nature-positive development pathway
Forming part of the global BGI-IP programme, the GEF-8 project focuses specifically on Seychelles, enabling the country to implement these solutions at a national level and contribute to broader regional and global efforts. By adopting an integrated, innovative and transformative approach, it aims to deliver global environmental benefits such as reducing carbon emissions, improving food security, and strengthening nature-positive decision-making. A key focus of the programme is the deployment of innovative financing mechanisms, and the use of digital technologies to strengthen monitoring, accountability and impact.
Through strengthened stakeholder coordination, improved decision-making systems, and access to global partnerships, the programme will enable Seychelles to adopt a whole-of-economy approach to sustainable development. The GEF-8 project is expected to play a critical role in supporting the country’s transition towards a resilient and nature-positive development pathway, aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Advancing Sustainability with Innovative Solutions
During the signing, the Honourable Minister stated, "This is by far the largest GEF grant received, and my hope is that this project will be implemented with sufficient flexibility and scalability so as to ensure that it can service the priorities of the Seychelles, and that there are clear, measurable benefits to the environment and the country”.
The UNDP Resident Representative commended Seychelles for demonstrating global leadership in conservation. She highlighted that “UNDP is proud to support this ambition through the largest GEF project in the country’s history. This initiative will accelerate the country’s ambition to advance its blue and green economy”