On Friday 13th October 2023, the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) hosted a workshop under the theme “Advocacy on Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs) with a Focus on Seagrass”. This workshop falls under the Phase 2 of the Coastal Wetlands and Climate Change Project, under SeyCCAT’s purview. Leading the workshop was the Coastal Wetlands and Climate Change Project Manager Ms. Annike Faure, who noted that the purpose of this exercise was the education and engagement of MNAs on such a vital aspect of Seychelles coastal wetlands.
In attendance was a variety of MNAs, including the Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sebastien Pillay, the Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac, the Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure, members of the Environmental Policy Implementation Committee (EPIC), and management staff of the National Assembly Secretariat.
Hosting insightful presentations were SeyCCAT Projects Coordinator Ms. Elke Talma, Climate Change Negotiator from the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Climate Change Mr. George Uzice, SeyCCAT Scientific Adviser Dr. Jeanne A Mortimer, Senior Lecturer from the University of Seychelles Dr. Jérôme Harlay, NDC partnership in country facilitator Mr. Andrew Jean-Louis and SeyCCAT’s Seagrass Education and Advocacy Consultant Ms. Vadrine Boulle.
Presentations were given on topics such as carbon emissions; the importance of seagrass, marine and coastal assets; the creation, and submission of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) of carbon in Seychelles; and the development of scientific research and topographical mapping of various areas of ecological importance across both the Outer and Inner islands. This led to a robust ‘question and answers’ session with Members of the Assembly, seeking to further their knowledge on the legislative and scientific processes surrounding Blue Carbon projects and the protection of seagrass meadows.
Ultimately the workshop was considered a great success, which will lead to future discussions in the identification of ways in which potential laws may have an impact on BCE habitats in Seychelles.
