Dr. Arvin Boolell: "No one should be left behind in the preservation of our marine resources"
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries officially launched the pre-consultative dialogues ahead of the Ocean Summit 2025 at The Docks in Port Louis. This series of meetings, scheduled to take place over ten days from October 7 to October 18, 2025, will bring together representatives from the private sector and international partners to discuss sustainable ocean development and the future of Mauritius's blue economy.
The opening ceremony, themed "Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Conservation," featured the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Dr. Arvin Boolell, alongside the Minister Delegate, Fabrice David, and other notable figures.
In his speech, Dr. Boolell emphasized the importance of an inclusive and results-oriented approach to building a resilient blue economy in Mauritius. He stressed that the blue economy must be protected against the growing challenges of climate change and marine degradation. Highlighting the need for collective responsibility and collaboration across all sectors, he insisted that no one should be left behind in efforts to preserve the country's marine resources.
The Minister further called for legislative adaptation and a unified approach among stakeholders to ensure that the ocean's potential remains a shared asset for all Mauritians. He underscored the importance of developing a common roadmap with key partners, including the European Union, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting forward-looking policies and partnerships that position Mauritius as a model of sustainable development, driven by inclusion, collaboration, and a common ambition.
Fabrice David, for his part, described the Ocean Summit 2025 as a unifying platform that brings together various stakeholders to promote a regenerative blue economy that not only preserves and restores marine ecosystems but also fosters sustainable economic growth for Mauritius. He highlighted that this initiative goes beyond traditional sustainability by focusing on long-term benefits for both the environment and the national economy.
The Minister Delegate also paid tribute to the fishermen and fisherwomen of the country, acknowledging that their knowledge and dedication have long been the foundation of Mauritius's marine heritage. He portrayed the Ocean Summit 2025 as a bridge connecting current and future generations, based on a shared and collaborative vision of a sustainable and regenerative blue ocean economy.