July 7, 2010 -- The Government of Seychelles is hosting an international symposium on maritime security at the Le Meridien Barbarons on the 12th and 13th July to discuss a comprehensive plan of action against maritime threats in the region.

The Seychelles Comprehensive Maritime Security Plan of Action (SCMSPA) is a result of a multi-sectoral consultation process to effectively and sustainably respond to concerns over the vulnerability of the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The event, which is being organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, Environment and Transport, will address issues of maritime security in the  Indian Ocean which includes acts of piracy, concerns over arms and drug trafficking, environmental dumping, and Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU).

On commissioning the proposed Plan of Action, President James Michel said that we must "all pool our resources together to ensure the safety and security of our region, for the benefit and prosperity of all. It is a duty that falls on all of us who share this ocean."
The Plan of Action marks a deliberate shift in government policy from being purely reactive, towards having a pro-active and sustainable, long-term vision for securing Seychelles waters following an escalation of incidences in 2009.

" Seychelles has always recognised that a durable solution to piracy involves a coordinated regional approach. This symposium will allow regional states to enhance the national and regional capacity to combat piracy and other maritime threats,"  said the recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam.

Minister  Morgan for Home Affairs, Environment, and Transport, who is also the Chairman of the High Level Committee on Piracy, added that " As one of the island states affected by piracy, Seychelles looks forward to sharing experiences with its regional partners. We have learned a lot in a short time, and we must all work together to ensure the safety and security of our region ". 

The event will take place over two days, where participants will have the opportunity to analyse and engage in open discussions on all matters of maritime security.

The participants include high-level representatives from the African Union, the Indian Ocean Commission, SADC, COMESA, the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime, the International Maritime Organizations, Interpol, the World Bank, the EU, NATO, as well as representatives from the South African Ministry of Defense, and delegations from east Africa, the United Arab Emirate, the Maldives, China, India, Egypt and OECD country members.