On the afternoon of Friday 23rd June, the Environmental Policy Implementation Committee (EPIC) of the Secretariat, in collaboration with Parley Seychelles, organised a mangrove clean up and seedling harvesting activity in the area just behind the parliamentary building.
Back in 2022, the National Assembly adopted the mangrove area and with the lead of EPIC have been committed in maintaining the cleanliness and development of the mangroves. Current projects include a walkway and reforesting project which have both been submitted for external funding.
The clean-up activity involved Members of the National Assembly, including the Speaker Hon. Roger Mancienne, members of EPIC, passionate staff of the secretariat, and volunteers from Parley Seychelles. Everyone involved was dedicated to ensuring that the area is free of debris and that a considerable number of seedlings were harvested for replanting in the very near future.
Shockingly, in such a small area, a total of 197.5kg of trash, 144kg of which was made up of plastic, was collected and safely disposed of. It is believed that not only is there littering taking place in and around the area, but that much of the debris is washing up and multiplying within the mangrove area with the tides over time. It is through clean-up activities like this that we all can take ownership of our environment and promote harmony between people and the planet.
