Message of Minister Didier Dogley on the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity 2016

In December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly adopted 22^nd of May as International Day of Biodiversity to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992. Since then, the world has commemorated the day by organizing activities to raise awareness about the plight of wild animals and plants on earth and also to celebrate their value to mankind.  The theme for this year is; Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods.

 

Biodiversity is one of those buzz words used by natural scientists to refer to the variety of life on earth in all its forms.  It is the combination of two words; biological diversity.  It relates to the variety within and between all species of plants, animals and micro-organisms and the ecosystems within which they live and interact.

Biodiversity does not only forms the basis of life on earth but it also acts as the foundation upon which the existence of mankind depends.  It provides man with critical products and services such as the availability and purification of water, the enhancement of soil fertility, the stabilization of land and thereby minimisation of natural disasters, the stabilization of our climate and it is the main source of food and medicine.  According to the World Conservation Union, IUCN, the monetary value of all the goods and services provided by all ecosystems globally is estimated to be about US$ 33 trillion per annum.

In Seychelles, our main economic activities depend on a safe, healthy and functional environment.  This is well understood by the decision makers and the population at large.  Over the years we have made major progress in protecting and managing critical biodiversity within and outside protected areas.  As a country we have been exemplary in elaborating and adopting innovative and ground breaking initiatives, which has earned us worldwide recognition as a champion of the environment. We have exceeded the 11^th Aichi Target under the Convention on Biological Diversity for the percentage of land under protected area and in the near future we plan to achieve the same for marine protected area. 

The marine biodiversity within our EEZ provides us with the greatest scope for future economic development and wealth creation.  We have branded it the blue economy.  The Marine Spatial Plan, we are currently developing, is a key tool that will enable us to better plan and sustainably manage these resources irrelevant whether they are within or outside protected areas.  It is important that we look beyond short-term gains and adopt policies and strategies that will enable us to build a stronger and more prosperous future on the long term.

However, the emerging challenges we have experienced recently, clearly indicates that much more needs to be done, if we are to continue enjoying the products and services provided by the biodiversity around us. The introduction of invasive species, such as the hairy caterpillar, the destruction caused by Cyclone Fantala, the occurrence of widespread coral bleaching and the recent incomparable, massive algal blooms, the exponential increase in marine litter are all major threats to the variety of life in our national jurisdiction. The fight against these threats is not one that can be fought and won by the government alone.  It needs a concerted, unwavering and persistent effort and approach at the global, regional and national levels. 

Locally, there are already many environmental civil society and private organizations that are supporting government efforts and making a difference. Several have taken up the challenge of cleaning our marine environment, planting trees on degraded lands and conserving endangered species.  Lets us use this Biodiversity Day not only to conduct activities but also to reflect on how we can do more to reduce our personal carbon footprint in our homes, workplaces and communities.  I call upon everyone in Seychelles to continue supporting our many conservation success stories and to explore new innovative initiatives to build on Seychelles reputation as a champion of the environment. 

The Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change will continue to develop and create the necessary platforms to engage the private sector, civil society and communities to enable each and every one of us to contribute towards the safeguarding of the basis of life on earth.