The Hon. Sudheer Maudhoo, Minister for Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, in the presence of His Excellency Salman Al Farisi, the Secretary-General of IORA, Her Excellency Florence Caussé-Tissier, the Ambassador of France, and Mrs Laetitia Habchi, the director of AFD, launched the IORA videos related to seaweed and insect farming at the Institut Français de Maurice, Rose-Hill, on the 06th July 2023.
The launch was jointly organised by the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Secretariat and the French Development Agency (AFD). During this ceremony, Minister Maudhoo highlighted: “Today’s launch of Knowledge Sharing videos is an embodiment of dedication to inclusivity and collaboration. Sharing of knowledge is key to progress by providing stakeholders, experts and the public at large insights and best practices for the betterment of Blue Economy”.
The Secretary General of IORA emphasized: “I believe that these knowledge-sharing videos will further promote the development of aquaculture sector in the Indian Ocean region.”
The Ambassador of France confirmed that “The Indo-Pacific region is a priority for French diplomacy and France firmly believes in strengthening its partnership along with other strategic partners, members of the G20 (Australia, India, Japan etc). Fostering political and maritime security relations, developing economic and trade partnership and promoting sustainable development through scientific research and development in this region are among several pillars of the French strategy in this region”.
As reminded by the Minister: "The natural urge of the facts of history and geography should broaden itself to include the concept of an Indian Ocean Rim for socio-economic cooperation" once said Nelson Mandela 🇿🇦, which marks the roots of the Indian Ocean Rim Association in March 1997, the Director of AFD added that, “Today the Mandela vision reflects the fruitful partnership of IORA and AFD who stand together on numerous projects for the development of aquaculture in Mauritius and at the regional level.”
The IORA videos, namely: (i) Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices on Grow-Out Aquaculture Technology- Seaweed Tubular Nets, (ii) Insect Farming- Supporting Traditional Fish Farmers in the IORA Member States can and (iii) Sea Cucumber hatchery: Sharing of knowledge and best practices on grow-out aquaculture technology. These videos can be accessed on the YouTube channel of IORA.
These videos were developed in collaboration with France under the Memorandum of Understanding between IORA and AFD and aim at promoting aquaculture development in the Indian Ocean Region. The two videos will contribute to the implementation of the Work Plan of the Working Group on the Blue Economy (WGBE), more specifically under the objective “To promote sustainable aquaculture development”. About IORA Established on 7th March 1997, IORA is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners.
