Collaboration for a Sustainable Future: SPA and RISE Join Forces for Port Victoria’s Transformation

Port Victoria, located in the Seychelles, is on a journey towards sustainability with the support of Strategic Port Authority (SPA) and RISE, a Swedish research institute. Both parties are dedicated to ensuring that all aspects of port greening are addressed as significant investments are made in the port. Their shared goal is to make Port Victoria a shining example of how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can embrace the Sustainable Port Concept. This shared vision has been the driving force behind their collaboration since April 2024, resulting in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will guide their joint efforts until the end of 2030.

RISE’s visit to the Seychelles allowed the institute to gain a deeper understanding of the local context and challenges faced by Port Victoria. The MoU outlines key areas of collaboration, including integrating green port capabilities in the Victoria Port reconstruction project and focusing on strategic guidance, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and exploring pilot initiatives to position SPA as a leader in sustainable and resilient port operations.

Port Victoria’s Path to Sustainability by 2030

The reconstruction project at Port Victoria involves expanding the quay to accommodate larger vessels and addressing challenges such as reliance on fossil fuels for power generation and managing a high volume of empty containers. Seychelles aims to leverage the port upgrade to transition towards a greener future and develop a smart port that aligns with sustainability goals and utilizes digital technologies.

The transformation of Port Victoria will follow a structured, step-by-step approach in collaboration with SPA and RISE. The initiative will focus on enhancing the port’s transport, energy, and digital capabilities, with key activities including diagnostic assessments, developing a roadmap, integrating green technologies, and capacity building. Inspiration and insights from Swedish reference ports will guide the transition, with the ultimate goal of positioning Port Victoria as a model for sustainable port operations among SIDS by 2030.

Embracing the Social Dimension of Port Sustainability

In addition to environmental and economic considerations, the Sustainable Port Concept will also enhance the social dimension of sustainability at Port Victoria. Social sustainability, including aspects such as quality employment, gender equity, health and safety, cultural preservation, and good governance, is crucial for inclusive and resilient development in SIDS like Seychelles.

A strategic approach aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will be implemented, focusing on areas such as decent work, reduced inequalities, gender equality, and sustainable communities. The integration of social sustainability into port governance and planning will be guided by the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and a social responsibility maturity model. This model, embedded within the broader implementation framework for sustainable port development, will ensure that Port Victoria becomes a socially responsible operation that meets community needs and sustainability requirements.

With the collaborative efforts of SPA, RISE, and other stakeholders, Port Victoria is on track to achieve its vision of becoming a sustainable and resilient port by 2030, setting an example for other SIDS to follow in embracing green port practices and social sustainability.

This regional alignment will not only benefit Seychelles but also help build a more resilient and sustainable maritime ecosystem across the Indian Ocean. It will foster knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaboration on common challenges such as climate change adaptation, digitalization, and social responsibility. Together, these efforts will strengthen the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainable port development in the region.

Conclusion

The Port Victoria restoration project in Seychelles presents a unique opportunity to advance the concept of sustainable ports in small island developing states. By integrating social sustainability aspects into the port development framework, Seychelles can set a new standard for responsible and inclusive port management. This approach, rooted in the principles of corporate social responsibility and stakeholder engagement, will not only benefit Seychelles but also inspire other islands and ports to adopt similar practices.

Moreover, by embracing ecosystem innovation and fostering regional alignment, Seychelles can catalyze a broader transformation of the maritime sector in the Indian Ocean. This collaborative approach will create a network of sustainable ports that drive economic growth, protect the environment, and enhance the well-being of coastal communities. Strengthening the sustainable port concept by integrating social sustainability aspects is indeed an essential part of the Port Victoria restoration age, paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient maritime future.

He has been instrumental in fostering strong ties between Seychelles and Sweden, particularly in the areas of sustainable development and maritime innovation. With a background in international relations and diplomacy, he plays a key role in promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries in the maritime sector.

Together, these authors represent a diverse and experienced group of professionals who are at the forefront of driving sustainable and inclusive development in the maritime industry. Their collective expertise and dedication to advancing green capabilities in ports across the Indian Ocean region are setting a new standard for collaborative and resilient maritime development.

By recognizing the importance of ecosystem innovation and leveraging the support of organizations like UNCTAD, Port Louis and other ports in SIDS are well-positioned to lead the way in building a more sustainable and low-carbon maritime future. Through shared frameworks, collaborative platforms, and a commitment to social responsibility, these ports can work together to achieve lasting impact and create a brighter future for generations to come.

As we look towards the future, it is clear that the transformation of ports into green, smart, and socially responsible hubs is not just a trend, but a necessity. The actions taken by Port Victoria and Seychelles are paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive maritime industry, and their efforts serve as a beacon of hope for other ports in the region and beyond.

With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, the Indian Ocean region has the potential to become a global leader in resilient and low-carbon maritime development. By working together and embracing the principles of ecosystem innovation, ports in SIDS can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

25 Years of Environmental Commitments: A Partnership Between Umeå and Seychelles

For the past 25 years, a dedicated individual has been at the forefront of environmental commitments between the City of Umeå and the Government of Seychelles. This partnership has resulted in several active Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) focusing on various aspects of environmental conservation and sustainability.

One of the key areas of collaboration has been between the Ministry of Environment/Waste Management in Seychelles and the City of Umeå. Through this partnership, initiatives have been implemented to address waste management practices, promote recycling, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.

Additionally, the partnership has extended to include the Ministry of Education in Seychelles. This collaboration has focused on integrating environmental education into the school curriculum, organizing awareness campaigns, and providing resources for teachers and students to learn about environmental issues and solutions.

The Ministry of Health in Seychelles has also been a key partner in this environmental commitment. Efforts have been made to address public health concerns related to environmental pollution, promote sustainable practices in healthcare facilities, and raise awareness about the impact of environmental degradation on human health.

Throughout his tenure, this individual has played a crucial role in fostering and maintaining these partnerships, ensuring that the commitments are upheld and progress is made towards a more sustainable future. His dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability has been instrumental in driving positive change and fostering collaboration between Umeå and Seychelles.

In conclusion, the past 25 years have seen significant progress in environmental commitments between the City of Umeå and the Government of Seychelles. Through active MOUs with key ministries in Seychelles, initiatives have been implemented to address waste management, promote environmental education, and protect public health. The individual leading these efforts has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.