Ocean Summit: Empowering Youth and Women for a Sustainable Blue Economy
As part of the upcoming Ocean Summit, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries, Dr. Arvin Boolell, along with Deputy Minister Fabrice David, participated in a roundtable discussion themed "Exploring the Ocean: Youth, Gender, and Social Awareness." This roundtable, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Docks in Port-Louis, brought together university students, representatives from non-governmental organizations, and members of the fishing community.
The aim was to highlight the ocean's role in society and its contributions to livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience. It also sought to encourage youth to pursue careers in marine sciences and the blue economy, and to promote equal opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in education, research, and employment in the marine field, ensuring that diverse perspectives shape the future of the blue economy.
Following the roundtable, there was a visit to the Odysseo Oceanarium (Mauritius) Ltd.
In discussions with participants, Dr. Arvin Boolell reaffirmed the government's commitment to exploring and harnessing the potential of the ocean economy for a more inclusive and sustainable oceanic economic sector, as outlined in the government program for 2025-2029.
He emphasized Mauritius' vast exclusive economic zone, which spans approximately 2.3 million square kilometers, positioning the country as a significant ocean state. He further stressed the importance of enhancing dialogue around the blue economy and empowering youth to promote ocean priorities, raising public awareness and understanding of the topic.
Fabrice David highlighted the crucial role of youth as ambassadors for ocean conservation. He noted that this exchange reflects collective efforts to foster a culture of shared responsibility for the oceans.
The discussion also featured contributions from Dr. Sundy Ramah, acting head of the Blue Economy unit at the ministry; Bernardo Nascimento, director of the Odysseo Foundation; and Ms. Karuna Rana, founding director of the Big Ocean States initiative. Their contributions primarily focused on supporting healthy marine ecosystems and coastal economies.
