• University of Seychelles

Past Events

Our Past Events:

Stopping Illegal Fishing: Protecting the ‘Blue Gold’ of the Seychelles (Date: Wednesday 06th December 2017)

The Centre will organise a panel discussion in collaboration with the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute on Wednesday 6th December 2017.

Fish is the most important natural resource of the Seychelles. Rightfully it has been called the “blue gold” of the country. As a natural resource it is not only vital for the Seychellois economy, contributing no less then 30% of the national GDP, and 10% of the employment opportunity. Red Snapper, Tuna or Marlin are also the kings of creole cuisine, and make sure that families and visitors alike end the day with a tasty meal.

Like other natural resources, fish stocks are under considerable pressure. They are threatened by the current level of fishing activities. This calls for more sustainable, future-oriented management of fish stocks in order to ensure their survival. To make things worse, regulations put in place to manage fish are too often not followed by the fishing industry, artisanal or recreational fishermen and foreign vessels abuse the vast Seychellois waters for illegal fishing activities.

The wellbeing of fish in national and regional waters and the future of the Seychelles are in many ways tied to each other. This symposium aims at taking stock about the state of fisheries. It aims at discussing the successes that have been achieved by national bodies such as the Seychelles Fishing Authority, non-governmental organisation active in nature conversation, fishing associations, the Blue Economy Department or the Seychelles Marine Spatial Planning project, as well as regional organisations and initiatives, such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, the Indian Ocean Commission’s project SmartFish, or Fish-I. But the goal of the symposium is also to identify what needs to be done better by the Seychelles government and society, as well as all users of the sea. What are the areas that can be improved on a national level, and where can Seychelles act as a regional leader?

This afternoon event discusses the importance of fisheries for the blue economy of the Seychelles and the challenges of regulating fisheries and stopping illegal fisheries. These challenges will be discussed across two panels with speakers from the Seychelles and abroad.

Inauguration of the Centre (Date: Friday 11th August 2017)

How to ensure peace and stability in the Western Indian Ocean and prevent threats such as piracy? How might the foreign policy and diplomacy of Seychelles be supported with good training and research? What is the best role for Seychelles as a global intellectual leader in sustainable development for other countries, in particular small island states? These are some of the questions that the University of Seychelles’ newest research centre, named after former President and ambassador for peace, Sir James Mancham, addresses.

The Sir James Mancham International Centre for Peace Studies & Diplomacy (JMPC) will conduct research in the area of peace and security, foreign policy and diplomacy, paying particular attention to questions such as the political dynamics in the Western Indian Ocean region, maritime security, reconciliation and capacity building, and the role of small island states in world politics. The centre adds a vital new area of research linked to policy, in order to fulfil UniSey’s objective to be the knowledge hub of the Indian Ocean.

JMPC will be formally inaugurated on Friday 11th August 2017 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at the Eden Bleu Hotel. The programme will recognise the tireless campaigning of Sir James, coupled with a look to the future to show how the centre will continue his good work.

The centre has already developed an impressive range of activities, with policy workshops on small state foreign policy, on reconciliation, and the link between maritime security and the blue economy. It has also initiated strong strategic partnerships, with organisations such as the Indian Ocean Research Group, Cardiff University, Durban University of Technology, Université de la Réunion, University of Bristol, the online journal piracy-studies.org, or and the Southern African Defense and Security Management Network.

The centre’s mission will be to provide a public space for the discussion of crucial challenges in foreign and security policy within Seychelles, but also with the wider region. It will work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but also other governmental and civil society actors. As a hub for research and training in the field it will not only become an important instrument to strengthen the role of Seychelles on the world and regional stages, but also promises to bring significant benefits to the local knowledge economy.

JMPC is grateful to have received generous sponsorship for the inauguration event from the Development Bank of Seychelles, Allied Builders (Seychelles) Limited, VCS Pty Ltd, Seashell Travel and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.

         

Maritime Security and Sustainable Development Workshop (Date: Tuesday 18th July 2017)

The Sir James Mancham International Centre for Peace Studies and Diplomacy and the James Michel Blue Economy Research Institute in collaboration with the Cardiff University are organising a workshop on maritime governance and the relationship between maritime security and sustainable development in light of SDG 14. The goal of the workshop is to discuss the experiences and lessons from Seychelles. We would cordially like to invite you to attend and share your experience.

The background of the event is a research project run at the Cardiff University in the UK developed in collaboration with the University of Seychelles (UniSey). The project The Environment/Security Nexus at Sea: Reaching UN Sustainable Development Goals through Ocean Governance is funded by the British Academy.

The workshop is designed to explore the interconnections between coastal and marine management, societal well-being and security of the oceans. We are particularly interested in how and in what ways marine protection can help promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Seychelles has received international recognition for its marine protection planning, although it continues to face several challenges. It is important that other coastal states can draw on the experience of Seychelles.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday 18th July 2017, from 9.30am to 4pm at the UniSey, Anse Royale campus.

 

Presentation on Forgiveness and Healing (Date: Tuesday 23rd May 2017)

The Centre in collaboration with the National Council for Children (NCC) is organising a presentation on Forgiveness and Healing on Tuesday 23rd May 2017, 10am at the NCC Training Room, Bel Eau. The presentation will be facilitated by Professor Geoffrey Harris from the International Centre for Nonviolence at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Forum on “Rethinking Human Rights and Justice in Seychelles” (Date: Monday 22nd May 2017)

The Centre is organising a forum on “Rethinking Human Rights and Justice in Seychelles” on Monday 22nd May 2017, at the Guy Morel Institute (Ma Joie campus) at 1.30pm.

Abstract

It is commonly believed that violence is an effective way of dealing with issues as diverse as overthrowing dictators, bringing up good children, deterring criminal behaviour and preventing or short-cutting civil wars.

But are such common beliefs an adequate foundation on which to base policy and practice? This forum seeks to examine evidence regarding the effectiveness and costs of corporal punishment of children and retributive justice for those who break the law.

Comparisons are made with nonviolent forms of child discipline and restorative justice approaches to law breakers.

Aim

The aim of the discussion is to bring professionals, academics, policymakers and educators to exchange knowledge, experience and discuss theories, good practices and challenges to rethinking human rights and justice in Seychelles.

Action Research Seminar (Date: Tuesday 16th May 2017)

The Centre is organising a seminar on Action Research on Tuesday 16th May 2017, at 1.30pm in Room A2/3, Anse Royale campus for staff and students at the University of Seychelles. The presentation will be conducted by Professor Geoffrey Harris from the International Centre for Nonviolence at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

Presentation on Action Research for Masters Students (Date: Thursday 11th May 2017)

The Centre is organising a presentation on Action Research for masters students at the University of Seychelles on Thursday 11th May 2017, at 1.30pm at the Theatre 2 (ex-Manchester Theatre), Anse Royale campus. The presentation will be conducted by Professor Geoffrey Harris from the International Centre for Nonviolence at the Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

National Symposium on Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity (Date: Sunday 07th May 2017)

The Centre has officially been invited to participate in a National Symposium on truth, reconciliation and national unity.  The Symposium is being organised by the Seychelles National Assembly's Truth and Reconciliation Committee on Sunday 7th May 2017, at the International Conference Centre Seychelles. 

Round-table discussion on the topic “Think big, but small is beautiful: Small Island Diplomacy” (Date: Wednesday 22nd March 2017)

Aim: The aim of the round-table discussion is to bring professionals, academics, policymakers and educators together to exchange knowledge, experience and to discuss theory, good practice and challenges in small island diplomacy.

Poetry competition under the theme “A peace-building Commonwealth” (Date: Monday 13th March 2017)

To commemorate  Commonwealth Day, on Monday 13th March 2017, the Centre will collaborate with private and public schools in Seychelles to organise a poetry competition.