The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment (MACCE), in collaboration with SeyCCAT and with support from the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan Initiative (SMSP) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is pleased to share the final report of the Capacity Needs Assessment and Capacity Development Plan.

The aim of the consultancy was to carry out a capacity needs assessment for the implementation of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan, including the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) of Seychelles, and design a capacity building plan based on the capacity needs assessment. The work included the assessment of the capacity needs of existing and potentially new delegated authorities related to implementation of the MSP including Monitoring Control and Surveillance (MCS) of the EEZ, maritime security and enforcement, fisheries management and management of the MPAs and their management plans. A comprehensive capacity building plan, based on the capacity needs assessment, includes prioritised actions with an indicative budget and timeframe. Key findings include:

• Governance frameworks need additional clarity to ensure consistent data sharing, policy alignment, and inter-agency coordination.
• Many organizations experience significant staffing and training deficits, particularly in technical enforcement and monitoring.
• High staff turnover and inadequate collaboration further weaken overall capacity.
• Address staffing challenges and retention issues by advocating for increased recurrent budgets and long-term workforce development strategies, as highlighted by Burt et al. (2021).
• Prioritise structured recruitment processes, retention incentives, and professional development pathways.
• Strengthen governance through the formal establishment of a National Maritime Committee, building institutional capacity via resource mobilization and enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and developing individual skills in areas such as GIS, hydrography, conflict resolution, and stakeholder communications.

The project began in August 2024 and the final report was completed in January 2025. Please contact the SMSP Project Manager for any questions or additional information.

Consultant: Patricia Paig, Ph.D.., Oceanogami

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