By leaps and bounds, Seychelles has progressed to one of the world’s leading eco-warriors. It was the first country in the world to include conservation efforts in their constitution. From land to sea protection and one of the first to tackle packaging too, here are some of their incredible achievements!
Leaders in Land & Environmental Protection
Seychelles’ has gone above and beyond to preserve its rich natural heritage, having the highest proportion of protected space in the world. Protected national parks make up around 60% of its total land area.
The archipelago has gone so far as to limit the number of tourist beds per island, to ensure that tourism growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
Seychelles is found to have the purest air on the planet by the 2016 Environmental Performance Index and it is also developing renewable energy sources!
The World’s First Debt Swap Designed to Protect Ocean Areas
In 2016 the Seychelles agreed to preserve 210,000 sq km of ocean, nearly the size of Great Britain, in exchange for paying off national debt! Actor Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation donated $1m to the cause.
The island nation will increase its protected waters from 0.04 to 30 per cent by 2020. The plan restricts tourism and fishing activities to prevent damage to aquatic life.
The first marine reserve includes the Aldabra islands, which are home to some of the Indian Ocean’s more endangered species, the dugong, and giant tortoises as well as rare tropical birds.
Life Without Plastic, that’s Fantastic!
Ahead of the curve, Seychelles banned the importation, sale and commercial use of plastic bags, cups, plates and cutlery back in 2017.
The exemption includes plastics used in the agricultural sector, industrial packaging sold for freezing purposes and waste disposal!
Continuing its strategy to reduce plastic waste in the island nation, Seychelles banned the importation of single-use plastic straws in 2018. An intensive education programme to present importers with alternatives was carried out.
Visit seychelles.travel to see the action for yourself.