Seychelles – The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) has announced a call for proposals for projects aimed at bolstering coastal resilience in Seychelles and the wider western Indian Ocean region. This initiative is part of the Resilience of Indian Ocean Coastal Zones (RECOS) project.
According to Seychelles News Agency, an expert from the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), the primary goal of the RECOS project is to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems in western Indian Ocean countries. This includes supporting the implementation of coastal management approaches and innovative projects for the restoration and sustainable use of coastal and marine ecosystems. The current call for proposals focuses on demonstrative field actions to promote the restoration, management, and sustainable use of these ecosystems.
The initiative, backed by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement (FFEM), has set December 4 as the deadline for the submission of concept notes. The project encompasses four main components: enhancing the management of marine and coastal ecosystems at both regional and national levels; fostering regional scientific cooperation on coastal ecosystems; implementing pilot projects for ecosystem restoration and sustainable support; and engaging in communication, awareness-raising, and knowledge sharing.
De Toma clarified that eligible applicants for this call include civil society organizations such as NGOs, the private sector, and local authorities like districts. The project themes can range from marine protected area management to marine ecosystem conservation and coastal area management.
Five proposals are expected to be selected, with project grants ranging from €50,000 to €150,000. Beneficiaries are required to contribute a minimum of 5 percent of the project cost. Interested parties are encouraged to apply through the IOC website.
Additionally, the RECOS project has launched the “Exchange of Experiences Programme,” enabling NGOs and other stakeholders to collaborate on various projects. This program includes opportunities for participants to visit each other’s projects as part of the knowledge and experience exchange process. These exchanges are tailored to the needs of the stakeholders and are based on voluntary and partnership arrangements.