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4.71. The overall goal of the aquaculture policy is to guide an effectively managed and environmentally responsible aquaculture industry that contributes towards food security and the creation of wealth in Seychelles. It is structured around eight policy objectives: (...) sustainable environmental policy for aquaculture (...)

4.75. Seychelles' dependence on imported fuels, and its vulnerability to fluctuations in oil prices prompted the Government to encourage greater use of renewable energy and to utilize energy resources in a more efficient manner. To achieve this, the Energy Policy 2010-2030 was launched with the following vision: (...) energy supply will be 100% based on renewables [80] (...) demand for energy services should always be met with the most energy efficient technologies (...)
[80] Reducing energy dependency combined with more renewable energy production could also contribute to increased security of supply, as well as meeting projected international commitments under the Paris Agreement for 100% renewable energy use by 2050. (...)

4.76. The Energy Act, 2012, implemented by the Seychelles Energy Commission (SEC), governs all activities regarding generation, transmission, distribution, sales, and use of electricity. Although it is not yet fully in force, the Act also makes provisions for the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency including through VAT exemption. Indeed, the SEC is implementing an interim procedure for importers to be exempted from VAT upon importation of energy efficient electrical appliances. It is available only for air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and light bulbs, along with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and components, and solar water heating systems, provided they comply with minimum energy performance standards. Moreover, some incentives are being granted to encourage adoption of new, cleaner technologies, notably through the Solar PV Rebate Scheme, and Seychelles Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programme (SEEREP) Rebate Scheme (Section 3.3.1 and Table 3.4).

4.77. The European Union funded the development of the Energy Act, 2012, which has paved the way for the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity grid. (...)

4.79. (...) In 2014, the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan (SMSP) initiative was launched to develop a comprehensive marine plan and address climate change adaptation, protect marine biodiversity, and support the Blue Economy. (...) The SMSP uses an ecosystem-based approach to propose new marine protected areas (MPAs) in conjunction with improved management of the ocean.

4.81. Seychelles' energy policy focuses on the need to reduce energy dependency through increased energy efficiency and promotion of renewable energy sources (wind and solar), which currently account for 5% of total electricity demand. Increasing the use of renewable energy sources requires a progressive change of the energy system and infrastructure, such as the modernization of the network system, introduction of technologies such as smart meters, battery storage, and other grid stabilizing technology. Seychelles is looking to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy technologies through the revision of the energy policy and legislative framework and the establishment of new promotional schemes in addition to the ones already mentioned.

4.82. The energy policy is currently being reviewed, with a new policy document to be presented to the Government for approval by the end of 2022. (...) These targets are very ambitious for a small island developing state (SIDS) and are in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement by further committing to reducing economy wide absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 293.8 ktCO2e in 2030 (26.4%) compared to "business as usual" scenario. Seychelles also seeks to achieve a substantial mitigation benefit, lowering the GHG emission to 817 ktCO2e by 2030, relative to baseline emissions. [89]
[89] Information provided by the authorities. Overall GHG emissions are measured in kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent (kt CO2e), by weighing non-carbon dioxide gases by their global warming potential.

4.91. To address some of these challenges and make the industrial sector sustainable and a strong economic pillar, the Government is putting a renewed focus on industrial policy, mainly through the Seychelles Inclusive Industrial Competitiveness Policy 2015-2020 launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation (now the Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry). (...)

4.92. Some of the strategic objectives under this (industrial) policy are to (...) develop quality assurance and environmental/health standards (...)

4.107. In its General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) schedule, Seychelles made horizontal and partial commitments in all 11 sectors identified in the WTO Services Sectoral Classification list: (...) environmental services (...)