Minister's Message on the occasion of Earth Day, Theme: “CLIMATE ACTION”

 A lokazyon senkantyenm konmemorasyon Lazournen Plannet Later (Earth Day) Merkredi le 22 avril, avek tenm “Climate Action”, Minister Lanvironnman, Lenerzi ek Sanzman Klima i anvoy sa mesaz swivan:

Lazournen Plannet Later i en lazournen enportan ki tou pei dan lemonn i selebre. Sa lannen i fer 50 an depi ki lemonn pe obzerv sa lazournen, ki annan pour lobzektif sansibiliz dimoun pou pran plis swen avek tou bann resours natirel ki trouve dan nou lanvironnman an zeneral e lo plannet later. Anvi ki tenm sa lazournen pou sa lannen i “Climate Action” nou pe demann tou seselwa pou ranforsi nou bann zefor, pti ou gro, pou nou kapab fer en diferans avek bann aksyon senp e konkret ki ava ede dan nou konba kont sanzman klima.

Sesel ozordi I ganny rekonnet parmi bann pti leta zil e osi mondyalman konman en sanpyon lanvironman. Noun fer bokou pour proteksyon nou lanvironman e pour ede konbat sanzman klima. Tou resaman Sesel in formaliz proteksyon 30% son zonn ekonomik eksklisiv ki form parti bann zefor pour protez plis bann lespas maritim pou proteksyon bio diversite e redwir bann lefe sanzman klima. Nou aktiv dan bann foronm lo sanzman klima enternasyonalman e noun osi met anplas bann diferan polisi e stratezi lokalman dan sa domenn. Tou resaman Prezidan ti annonse ki nou pou double nou target lenerzi renouvlab par lannen 2030.

Sa I bann zefor nasyonal. Me dan sak lakour nou kapab ede par konserv lenerzi, plant plis pye dibwa, redwir la kantite salte e polisyon, fer plis resiklaz e bokou lezot keksoz ankor. I neseser ki nou revwar bokou bann pratik ki koz bokou destriksyon nou lanvironnman e plannet later.

Sa lannen nou pe komemor sa Lazournen Plannet Later dan en moman eksepsyonel, letan ki lemonn pe fer fas avek pandemik “COVID-19″, en lepidemi mondyal, ki pe kontinyen ravaz lemonn, e isi Sesel nou pann ganny eparnye. Tou pei i bezwen pran mezir apopriye e sifizan pou protez son popilasyon e osi popilasyon lemonn antye, pou kontinyen konbat sa lennmi envizib. “COVID-19” i menas irzan ki limanite pe sibir ozordi, me sanzman klima I reste pli gro menas pour limanite ki nou pou fer fas avek a lonterm.

Deza nou kapab konstate ki bokou pei atraver lemonn in bezwen pran bann mezir difisil me esansyel pou kapab fer fas avek sa pandemik. Bokou sa bann mezir in fer ki i annan mwens presyon lo nou lanvironnman e dan serten lenstans noun kapab antann bann bon nouvel an term nivo polisyon dan ler. Se avek sa menm viger ki nou bezwen kontinyen ranforsi nou bann aksyon pou lit kont sanzman klima.

Medya sosyal i reste enn bann fason pli efektiv pou mobiliz la mas. Se pour sa rezon ki a traver “digital media” pou annan en gran mobilizasyon “digital global” le 22 avril lo medya sosyal pou popilasyon a traver lemonn pran aksyon enportan en faver lanvironman plannet later ki a benefisye e protez la popilasyon.

Byento ler tou bann lekonomi lemon I ava rekonmanse, I ava en sans pou bann nasyon fer keksoz pli byen, pou enkli bann pei e kous popilasyon ki pli vilnerab dan zot plan sanzman klima afen ki lemonn ava annan en lavenir pli soutenab e pli rezilyan ki i ava kapab protez e sovgard nou popilasyon.

Koman en pei, nou determinen pou fer sir ki sa nouvo plan sanzaman kilma nasyonal ki nou pe finalize i pou pli anbisye e ki enkli klerman sekirite alimanter, sekirite delo, sekirite lenerzi e protez e sovgard lasante piblik.

Finalman, nou enplor la popilasyon seselwa ki dan lakour e nenport landwa ki ou ete, ou kapab fer en diferans, akoz ou pa tousel. Sa lespri travay ansanm i bezwen kontinyen.
Akoz ansanm nou pou kapab fer nou pti bout aksyon pou sov planet later.

Ki Bondye i kontinyen protez nou pep e nou pei.

Environment Police to intensify patrols to curb down Illegal Dumping

The Ministry of Environment Energy and Climate Change has recorded a significant increase in the number of cases of illegal dumping of waste at specific areas on Mahé. Hotspots include remote and undeveloped at Perseverance, more specifically along the road leading to Anse Etoile, at Ile Aurore and also in part of Providence. The wastes consist of construction debris, broken electrical appliances, logging residues amongst others. These wastes should have been deposited at the Providence landfill.

According to the Chief Environment Police in the Waste and Permit Division from the Ministry, Mr. Andre Freminot, they noticed the wastes when conducting routine patrol or through complaints received from members of the public and through the Social Media. The illegal dumping are more prominent in remote and undeveloped isolated from the public.

“Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to identify the origin of the trash, through evidence which leads us to the offender, but in the majority of cases this is not possible especially with construction rubbles” said Mr Freminot.

‘It is an offence to illegally dump waste and the he consequences may be severe. ‘The Environment Protection Act clearly states that anyone caught dumping waste illegally on private or public land which has not been allocated for such, would be prosecuted in a court of law, if found guilty. The individual could face penalties of not more than a Million Rupees or 2 years imprisonment.’ Mr Freminot added.

Depending on gravity of the dumping instead of facing prosecution, an out of court settlement could be made, a fine agreed by both parties in the event the same offender is caught more than once’ he further added.

The Ministry of Environment would like to call on those concerned to refrain from doing such illegal activities because it could be a danger to wildlife an may also affect human health.

The Environment Police will continue to strengthen its patrol and to bring those responsible to task.

Seychelles designate one third of its EEZ as Marine Protected Areas

 On March 26th 2020, the world witnessed a historical event where Seychelles completed a six year long initiative and designated 30% of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as marine protection areas, a target reached 10 years ahead of the global target to have 30% ocean protection by 2030.

Mr Wallace Cosgrow, the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change signed the legal instrument in the presence of Mr Danny Faure, President of the Republic of Seychelles, high government officials and TNC representative.

Gazetting of the legal instruments will result in the declaration of 13 new protected areas.  These include the designation of high biodiversity waters surrounding the Aldabra group, marine areas in the Amirantes including D’Arros to Poivre, and the South of Amirantes and Bird Island where no human activity other than sustainable tourism will be permitted.  It also includes the medium biodiversity areas that fall within the Amirantes to Fortune Bank which will be designated for sustainable use where activities vital to Seychelles’ economy will continue to operate under new sustainability regulations.

‘The initiative is the result of extensive consultations with all the major sectors using or valuing the ocean in Seychelles’.  Said the President in his inaugural speech.

On March 26th 2020, the world witnessed a historical event where Seychelles completed a six year long initiative and designated 30% of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as marine protection areas, a target reached 10 years ahead of the global target to have 30% ocean protection by 2030.

Mr Wallace Cosgrow, the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change signed the legal instrument in the presence of Mr Danny Faure, President of the Republic of Seychelles, high government officials and TNC representative.

Gazetting of the legal instruments will result in the declaration of 13 new protected areas.  These include the designation of high biodiversity waters surrounding the Aldabra group, marine areas in the Amirantes including D’Arros to Poivre, and the South of Amirantes and Bird Island where no human activity other than sustainable tourism will be permitted.  It also includes the medium biodiversity areas that fall within the Amirantes to Fortune Bank which will be designated for sustainable use where activities vital to Seychelles’ economy will continue to operate under new sustainability regulations.

‘The initiative is the result of extensive consultations with all the major sectors using or valuing the ocean in Seychelles’.  Said the President in his inaugural speech.

Celebrating World Wildlife Day

 Earth is home to countless species of fauna and flora. Nearly a quarter of all species are presently at risk of going extinct in the coming decades, and their demise would only speed up the disappearance of countless others, putting us in danger as well.

World Wildlife Day 2020 was chosen to be celebrated on 3rd March because it was the same day as the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. The theme for World Wildlife Day 2020 is, ‘Sustaining all life on Earth’.

The year 2020, known as a “biodiversity super year”, will host several major global events that place biodiversity at the forefront of the global sustainable development agenda. Seychelles has committed to achieve all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The country continues to make transformative progress in Wildlife Conservation both at National and International Levels.

Biodiversity and a pristine environment has always been of critical importance to the people of Seychelles and our culture. For many years we have thrived on marine wildlife for food security and as an economic pillar for our economy.  Our unique plants and animals brings people from over the world into our small but beautiful country. From the tourists to the scientists, the experience is unforgettable for all.

The Seychelles wildlife includes some of the most unique species that can be found nowhere else on Earth. Unfortunately, many of our species have become endangered due to both natural and anthropogenic factors. Many of our iconic, endemic species such as the Seychelles sheath-tailed bat/Sousouri bannan (Coleura seychellensis), have become Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to increased development and human disturbances. Others have and are being heavily impacted by pollution, invasive alien species, over harvesting and many more. The rate at which this is occurring is very alarming

The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change as well as other NGOs, individuals and Community organizations continues to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits of wildlife to people.

As we strive to build a brighter future, let us not forget that we cannot survive without Biodiversity.

Establishing Clean Renewable Energy for Seychelles

Renewable power especially solar energy is booming across the globe, as this innovation brings down cost and starts to deliver on the promise of a clean future. Seychelles has once again succeed in the production of renewable energy. This is the 4th inauguration which combines with the installation of 2 megawatt of solar photo voltaic on selected government buildings and over 500 homes. The inauguration and handling over the rooftop solar panels for State House was held this morning at the Victoria Gymnasium.

“In the short term, the direct benefits of this project includes increased savings on the utility bills of the institutions who has been connected. More importantly around 500 households will also see a remarkable difference on their bills. Our contribution to tackling the cost of utilities to households and cost of living in general.” He continued “In light of that, we have relooked at our policies. Our target is to generate 100% of our electricity from renewable sources by the year 2050.”
Minister for Environment Energy and Climate Change made this statement at the handling over. The Minister acknowledged the support of India in the field of renewable energy.

Addressing the launch the Indian High Commissioner H.E General, Dalbir Singh Suhag, stated “ The Government of India, following the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi, has pioneered many initiatives for fighting against climate change including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), wherein 75 countries have already ratified their cooperation and we are proud to mention that Seychelles is one of the founding member of the ISA and will be availing Solar Implementation to the extent of USD 8.7 Million under this development partnership arrangement directly from the people of India.” He further added Government of India has committed more than USD 1 Billion Concessional Credit Lines for the Solar Projects under ISA in the African countries alone.”

Last year 2019 there were three installation of rooftop solar panels; Seychelles National Assembly, Ministry of Health and the Barbaron Transit Home.

Nekton Explore the Seychelles Midnight Zone

The state house announced last Wednesday in a press release the new joint marine-research to explore further the marine biodiversity in the Seychelles and Maldivians oceans. The objective is to establishing a baseline of marine life and the state of the ocean in Seychelles, the Maldives and the High Seas of the central Indian Ocean.

The first descent “Midnight Zone’ is described at a depth between 1000-4000 meters where there is absolutely no light. This research main focused will be on the seamounts between the Seychelles and Maldives. Seamounts are known to be underwater sea mountains which has been formed by volcanic activities. The expedition will be using one of the world’s most advanced deep-diving submersible alongside a dozen research tools including landers, sampling, sensors and mapping technology.

“A healthy planet needs a healthy ocean. The time to act is now. Seychelles is committed to ocean conservation and by the end of March, we will have 30% of our waters established as protected areas. Seychelles are demonstrating the scientific and economic case for sustainable ocean management and protection and we are delighted that other nations, like the Maldives, are taking leadership” said President Danny Faure of Seychelles.

“This expedition will help us establish the long-term sustainability of our eco

nomic growth, livelihoods and jobs through establishing marine protected areas to build ocean resilience” said President Ibrahim Mohamid Solih of Maldives.

Dr. Lucy Woodall, Nekton’s Principal Scientist, from the University of Oxford state “Seamounts have high levels of biological diversity and biomass with a complex mosaic of habitats. They provide stepping stones between coastal areas that can act as nurseries for juvenile fish and are highly productive fishing grounds” Dr. Woodall further added “Seamounts are poorly studied across the globe but are being increasingly impacted by human activities as technology allows exploitation of ocean resources at greater depths and distances from land”.

The joint Seychelles-Maldives Expedition is led by scientists from Nekton and the University of Oxford working with, and on behalf of the Governments of Seychelles and the Maldives. Scientists from Seychelles and the Maldives will be participating throughout the mission

The expedition’s mothership, DSSV pressure drop and submersible have just completed sea trials in the Mediterranean Sea before beginning the journey towards Seychelles.

March last year Nekton Mission launched a two month underwater expedition not deeper than 500metres of the Seychelles waters were various data and specimen were collected 

Photo Nekton

Minister Cosgrow at the 10th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), from 10 to 12 January, 2020, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The Seychelles delegation led by Minister Wallace Cosgrow, PS Wills Agricole, PS Rebecca Lousteau-Lalande, PUC CEO – Mr. Philip Morin and SEC CEO – Mr. Tony Imaduwa and Ms Phillianne Albert from the Bue Economy Department were part over the 1,500 delegates from more than 160 governments, the private sector and civil society who gathered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, attending the 10th Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)  from 10 to 12 January, 2020. A High-Level Meeting on Accelerating the Energy Transformation in Small Island Developing States through Renewable Energy was also held during the 10th session of the IRENA Assembly.

The 10th Assembly represents a curtain-raiser to a decade in which the world must achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations and adopt a climate safe energy path. Renewable energy is recognised as playing a central role in the achievement of several goals including energy access (SDG 7), climate safety (SDG 13), sustainable economic growth (SDG8) and sustainable cities (SDG 11).

The aim of the assembly was to discuss key issues in the global energy transition and chart the way forward for the Agency against a backdrop of remarkable progress on Renewable Energy deployment.

In his country statement delivered to the assembly, Minister Cosgrow said: “Seychelles as a SIDS do not have much land, our pursuit for sustainable development means that we have to weigh up all the resources available to us in our ocean, and take informed choices on how to develop them for the benefit of our country and our people. If the last 100 years was very much about how we could maximize the use of our land, this century is very much about making the most of our ocean territories. The Indian Ocean is at the crest of this wave, and with our leadership and commitment we can bring about this transformative change that we all believe in, hence the concept of the Blue Economy. Thus, I am pleased to announce that this week Seychelles issued the Notice of Intended Award of Seychelles’ Marine Floating Solar PV project of 4 MW capacity. As the first IPP, this landmark project is on track to be Africa’s first utility-scale marine Floating Solar PV power plant”.

He continued: “Seychelles have endeavor to clean our energy sector by accelerating the deployment of renewable energy and adoption of energy efficiency measures. In the last 5 years, we have installed a combined solar and wind installations of 15MW capacity. This will enable us to achieve our renewable energy penetration target of 5% by 2020. Efforts will continue to strengthen our energy security by implementation of further energy efficiency measures and renewable energy installations to meet our 15% target by 2030. To that end, supporting policies, legislation as well as promotional schemes are being prepared, we count on the continued support of IRENA, ADFD and other key partners.

Seychelles through its revised and upscaled NDC will compliment its efforts for energy transition including its long term 100% renewable energy target by introducing green mobility. We will draw up a national e-mobility strategy, regulatory and policy framework for electric vehicles, including business models and finance scheme to incentivize people to switch to electric transportation”.
He concluded: “Seychelles recognizes the leading role which IRENA is taking to global adoption of Renewable Energy. We would like to take this opportunity to thank members for their contributions and support for IRENA and their respective effort to address this global challenge. We believe that we can accelerate our transformation through partnerships with the support of IRENA.

The delegation also attended the World Future Energy Summit as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) which begun on Monday 13 January, 2020.