SEYCHELLES, SWEDEN NARROW TIES ON CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE

Seychelles Review

THE Special Advisor to President James Michel, Dr Rolph Payet, was granted a special audience with His Majesty the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, to discuss climate change issues, in particular the Sea Level Rise Foundation, as well as the Seychelles University and knowledge.
This meeting followed the very close relationship that Seychelles had enjoyed with Sweden over the last 15 years in areas of environment, climate change and ocean issues.

GLISPA First Strategy Meeting

From Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The GLISPA Strategy Meeting took place in Rome, Italy, from 25 to 27 September, 2007. Meeting participants included representatives of the Partnership’s most active government and organization members and/or champions of existing or developing initiatives that are interested in greater involvement with the Partnership. H.E. Seychelles President James A. Michel opened the meeting with a keynote address to the participants. One of the founding fathers of the Global Island Partnership, together with Palau President Remengesau, President Michel chose the GLISPA gathering in Rome to launch his latest initiative, the Sea Level Rise Foundation. For the press release announcing the launch of this initiative, click here.

The Strategy Meeting was co-chaired by Rolph Payet, Special Advisor to the Seychelles President, who delivered a presentation titled Action Strategy for a Global Challenge, and Jo Mulongoy, Principal Officer of the Division of Scientific, Technical and Technological Matters, CBD Secretariat.

For the meeting agenda, click here

Working Groups and Leads

Five working groups were formed. Leaders were appointed, and leads identified.

1. Supporting Successful Commitments – Francois Martel, CI
2. Catalyzing New Commitments – Jason Spensley, WCPA/TNC & Stas Burgiel, GISP/TNC
3. Governance – Gerald Miles, TNC
4. Climate Change/Sea Level Rise Foundation – Rolph Payet, Seychelles
5. Communications – Sian Owen, WWF & Cathryn Treasure, GLISPA

Drafting the GLISPA Strategy

The group agreed a draft GLISPA Strategy would be developed after the meeting according to the following timeline:

• October 2007 – Meeting notes to all participants. Meeting summary to GLISPA contacts
• November 2007 - Draft Strategy to participants with three weeks to review
• January 2008 - Full draft to all GLISPA contacts with three weeks to review
• February 2008 – Revised draft ready for discussion at meetings in Rome.
• May 2008 - Final strategy ready with commitments at COP 9 in Bonn. CBD Secretariat is expecting high level engagement and roll out strategy.

A drafting team was assembled, composed of:

• Dr. Rolph Payet, Seychelles (Chair)
• Gerald Miles, TNC
• Audrey Newman, TNC
• Cathryn Treasure, GLISPA
• Giorgio Grussu, IUCN
• Jason Spensley, WCPA & TNC
• Jean-Philippe Palasi, IUCN
• Oliver Hillel, CBD Secretariat
• Sian Owen, WWF
• Stas Burgiel, GISP & TNC
• Susi Olmsted, GLISPA

Participants agreed to have the Strategy reviewed by:

• Rome Meeting Participants
• Key Contacts: 2-5 people who were NOT at their meeting
• GLISPA e-list
• Key regional and international meetings

Strategy Review Schedule:

• October 2007:
   Meeting Notes to all Participants by Oct 12
   Meeting Summary to GLISPA contacts by Oct 12
• November 2007: Draft Strategy to Participants
   three weeks to review
• December 2007: Side meeting to discuss in Bali
• January 2008: Full Draft to all GLISPA contacts
   three weeks to review
• February 2008: Confirm Strategy at meetings in Rome
• May 2008: Launch Strategy with commitments at CBD COP 9 in Bonn

Seychelles Meeting Realises Breakthrough For Shark Conservation

Seychelles Meeting Realises Breakthrough For Shark Conservation - UNEP

Mahé, Seychelles, 13 December 2007 -Sharks, so long neglected by conservationists and ruthlessly overexploited in modern fisheries, received a major boost today as governments agreed in principle to a new global agreement under the UN to protect three of the largest and most iconic shark species.

The Government of Seychelles hosted a meeting of more than 40 governments and representatives of NGOs and fisheries bodies at an intensive 3 day meeting organized by the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). It had been feared that individual fisheries interests would prevent an agreement, but the Chairman of the meeting, Rolph Payet, was able to announce today that states had bridged their differences in an effort to conserve migratory whale, great white and basking sharks throughout their extensive global ranges.

The agreement, to be finalized in 2008, will promote co-operation between governments, fisheries bodies, scientists and NGOs to improve our understanding of shark species, and promote their effective conservation including controls on shark finning which has made these and other shark species such irresistible targets to meet a growing worldwide demand for fins as luxury food.

The new CMS agreement will address:

- Strict conservation measures for Great white and Basking Sharks

- Engagement with the fisheries industry and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, including encouragement of shark fishing quotas, and control of by-catch

- Creation of a new global shark database

- Co-ordination of stock assessments and research

- Identification and Protection of critical shark habitats and migration routes

- Measures to build up capacity in developing countries to manage sharks

- Promotion and regulation of ecotourism and other non-consumptive use

- Encouragement of prohibition and control of shark finning

The new agreement will initially apply to the three large shark species listed by the Convention. However many delegates pointed out that other migratory shark species face serious threats especially from overfishing.

The new agreement will therefore allow other species to be added by range states with the approval of the CMS Conference of the Parties (COP). The COP is expected at its next meeting at the end of 2008 to consider adding several other shark species to the Convention. The Sharks agreement is expected to be finalized before then at a special meeting in Germany.

Speaking today, Rolph Payet, Special Advisor to the President, said: "Although it is over two years since Seychelles along with Australia and New Zealand co-sponsored a resolution to develop a global migratory sharks conservation instrument, Seychelles is satisfied at the progress made at this first meeting and is eager to see significant progress made in 2008".

He highlighted the need for UN Intergovernmental organizations such as FAO & CITES to become more involved and call upon fisheries states to urges their respective regional fisheries management bodies to play a pro-active role in the process.

The Executive Secretary of UNEP/CMS, Robert Hepworth expressed his appreciation to delegates who he said had "negotiated in an excellent spirit in order to reach consensus on the new agreement. This meeting means that we end the year of 2007 having secured international approval for eight new agreements under CMS, covering an astonishing array of endangered migratory animals -, Ruddy-headed Geese, birds of prey, sea cows, small whales, Mediterranean monk seals, grassland birds, gorillas and now sharks. The challenge now is to get these new agreements into full operation so they can change the survival prospects of all these precious species.

CO2 reduction key to managing climate change

From iGovernment Bureau, India November 16, 2007

New Delhi: The greenhouse gas emissions had risen 70 per cent in the last three decades, despite the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, and were expected to double or triple by the end of the century, regardless of efforts to stem them.

Speaking at the Second Committee ‘Economic and Financial’, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Vice Chairman Mohan Munasinghe said the climate change crisis would not be solved unless a wide range of government agencies devised policies and took action to reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions.

Munasinghe, also Chairman of the Munasinghe Institute for Development, said that the resulting 3°C rise in global temperature would potentially cause large-scale harm to global health, agriculture, forests, water resources, coastal areas and habitats.

Carbon dioxide levels, which had stood at the safe baseline of 275 parts per million for 10,000 years, were today approaching 400 parts per million, having caused global temperatures to increase by 0.6°C in the last few years, sea levels to rise several centimetres, dry areas to become even drier and wet areas to get still wetter, according to a Ministry of Environment release.

Stressing to limit greenhouse gas emissions and temperature rise to 2°C, he suggested it would be crucial to adjust trade, monetary, fiscal and taxation policies so that they addressed climate change without threatening the development process.

Munasinghe also said he favoured “sustainomics” which involved everything from turning off the lights when one left the room to developing more sustainable agriculture techniques for farmers.

It was an activist approach that employed social, environmental, economic and institutional tools and indicators—from data gathering to practical policy implementation—tailored to country-specific needs and circumstances, he said adding that the adaptation burden—adjusting activities to reduce vulnerability to climate change—would fall on the world’s poorest people and on the countries least responsible for climate change but most vulnerable to its impact.

Hundreds of millions of people would be affected by rising sea levels, particularly in small island developing states and low-lying coastal areas.  If nations increased their coastal protection expenditures at the same rate of gross domestic product, the number of people affected would drop to tens of millions of people.

France’s national sustainable development strategy, based on the European Union strategy adopted in 2006, focused on climate change and clean energy, sustainable transport, sustainable consumption and production and the conservation and management of natural resources.

It also aimed to step up efforts to address public health, social inclusion, demography and migration, and global poverty and sustainable development, reports France’s Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development .

The strategy was in line with the definition of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs of a national sustainable development strategy.

The UN strategy definition said that a coordinated, participatory and iterative process of thoughts and actions to achieve economic, environmental and social objectives in a balanced and integrated manner at the national and local levels.

The UN stressed that countries must develop strategies linked to reducing poverty and to the other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Experts believe that greater attention should also be paid to strengthening the capacity to mitigate and adapt at the societal and household levels, rather than simply at the sectoral level.

Failing to solve the livelihood issues of the poor made it impossible to achieve environmental sustainability, leaving poor households capable of destroying ecosystems in their pursuit of survival.

Special Adviser to the President of the Seychelles Rolph Payet said that progress required political attention to a national sustainable development strategy which would also be necessary to mobilize public opinion and involve the private sector and grassroots organizations in decision-making.

Payet said that efficient structures were needed to mobilize the public on sustainable development efforts. According to him, extreme events like tsunamis and other natural disasters could be seen as policy windows or opportunities to study how existing systems worked and how they could be modified accordingly.

Further to increase awareness among students, issues of climate change and sustainable development must be integrated into the national education curriculum.

Recognising that the challenge for developing countries was to open up new development paths, which would require tremendous effort as well as technological innovation, the conference called upon developed nations to share their technology and expertise.

—iGovernment Bureau

Western Indian Ocean ecosystem conservation consortium launched

 

From: IPPMedia

Nov 2007
By Guardian Correspondent

The consortium for Conservation of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems in Western Indian Ocean`, (WIO-C), was launched yesterday at the on going conference of parties to the Nairobi and Abidjan Convention in Johannesburg.
The consortium seeks to influence the development of policies that balance conservation and development needs through high profile and high-level engagement.
The consortium whose main focus is on sharing of information, lessons and best practices; monitoring for improved management and capacity building on the future of coastal and marine livelihood was launched by Dr. Rolph Payet, the Interim Regional Coordinator of the Nairobi Convention.
It is a joint initiative by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA), the Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
Others are Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development Coastal and Marine sub-programme; (NEPAD/ COSMAR), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC/UNESCO), aimed at developing synergistic partnerships that will advance marine research, conservation and management in the Western Indian Ocean region.
Over the years, the governments of the Western Indian Ocean have voiced concern over the continued degradation of the marine and coastal environment; consequently, several regional organisations have developed coastal and marine conservation programmes in the Eastern and Southern Africa including the Island States of the West Indian Ocean (WIO).
These programmes include the WWF coordinated Eastern African Marine Ecoregion (EAME), IUCN’s Eastern Africa Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Programme and other projects implemented by CORDIO, WIOMSA, WCS, UNEP and UNESCO.
Due to the multiplicity of projects and programmes, a number of key stakeholders have come together to discuss and agree on how the initiatives can be more effective in influencing decision making and changing the face of natural resource management in Western Indian Ocean. WIO-C has been formed to rationalise these efforts.
`It is recognised that such collaboration will not only advance the sustainable use and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems and associated resources, but that it will also contribute to sustainable livelihood and poverty reduction in the region,` said Dr. Payet .
The mission of WIO-C is to become the principle mechanism for reaching a broad stakeholder engagement in the formulation and implementation of the programme of Work for the Nairobi Convention.
The nine founding members are therefore committed to anchor the Consortium in the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management and Development of the marine and coastal environment of the Eastern and Southern Africa (Western Indian Ocean) Region.
The consortium consists of a highly credible network of organizations that will be able to provide decision support, share information and management experiences, mobilize resources and develop collaborative programmes.
In particular these activities will relate to the regional and transboundary issues.
The main purpose of the consortium is to support synergy and strengthen coordination in the implementation of activities and programmes related to marine and coastal ecosystem management, research and development.
The consortium will also be instrumental in promoting knowledge and information sharing amongst stakeholders in the Western Indian Ocean region with a view to anchoring activities within the framework of the Nairobi Convention, says the statement.
While the nine-member leadership group will steer the consortium, the day-to-day secretariat functions will be a revolving responsibility – initially undertaken by the WWF-Eastern African Marine Ecoregion Team based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, it says.
The consortium was established at the Meeting of the Partners that was held in Nairobi, Kenya from August 31 to September 1, 2006.

* SOURCE: Guardian

European Development Days Roundtable

Climate Change Mitigation, Opportunities and Financing   Room 4 - 10.30-13.30

Combining the Fight against Poverty and Climate Change

The pictures of this round table are accessible here

 

“The whole debate has illustrated the complexity of the issues involved in addressing climate change, in particular issues such as the transfer of technology and reducing greenhouse gases, while simultaneously trying to eliminate poverty... Amongst the experts themselves, the views diverge greatly on how can you achieve the Millennium Development Goals on poverty reduction and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear there are no easy answers and clearly no silver bullet.”

Anya Sitaram, Journalist and Broadcaster - Moderator

Panellists debated the complex interplay of issues surrounding how to implement and finance climate change mitigation measures. They generally agreed that mitigation, adaptation and technology transfer are three pillars of equal importance in sustainable policies for tackling climate change.

Marina Ploutakhina from UNIDO pointed to the broad consensus emerging that a vast array of technological solutions are necessary to address mitigation issues. The good news, she said, is that the vast majority of the technologies needed are already in the public domain.

Given that industry accounts globally for some 37% of greenhouse gases, UNIDO has focused much of its effort on the optimisation of industrial systems. But to maximise efficiency gains one must optimise the whole system. This is complex and requires an extra effort, particularly for developing countries. But many mitigation technologies for improving energy efficiency are inexpensive.

Theodoros Skylakakis of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs also believes that the growing developing world economies must urgently adopt low greenhouse gas growth paths. “The rights decisions must be taken early on since the first stages such as transportation and industrial technologies are binding for the remainder of a country’s development and cannot be reversed,” he explained.

Rolph Payet, Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of Seychelles, agreed that all the necessary technologies are already out there. “Sometimes we are creating barriers by holding onto the patents to make private financial gain,” he said. ”We have to push harder to put these technologies into use. Photovoltaic cells, for example, have been around for 25 years. Why aren’t they mass produced and cheap?”

 

MEP Berman encouraged people to think outside of the box: “Agriculture needs a new place in climate change policy. We need to support farmers not just to provide food but for non-food reasons like preventing desertification, and minimising the use of fossil fuels,” he said.

Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien of the Growing Business Foundation in Nigeria urged a change in thinking among donor countries. “A lot of what is called ‘aid’, should be called ‘compensation’ which better reflects the role being bestowed on the economic players in developing countries – ranging from forestry workers to farmers – to help reduce climate problems,” she said.

Training and education play an important role at the local level to increase awareness, explained Mahamadou Sako of Niger. “Climate change science should be taught in universities from primary school level. Our education polices should cater for looking at ways to fight climate change,” he advised.

Manfred Konukiewitz from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development pointed out that the mitigation costs of reducing greenhouse gases involve sizeable sums of money, but not as much as people think. In fact, it is just a fraction of today’s GDP. “Full implementation he said would bring us back to the GPD levels of the 1980s where we didn’t actually live badly,” he said. “It can be financed.”

Berman commented that innovation is driven by laziness, need or obligation. “Our role at the European Parliament is to create obligation,” he said. “But what we are asking for costs money. We must therefore create new sources of money. We could consider raising taxes on the kerosene used in air transportation. It seems ridiculous that such a pollution-intensive resource is tax free. The tax could be redeployed on mitigation measures to counteracting climate change.”

Payet pointed out that such an airline tax would signal the demise of the principal industry of the Seychelles and many other small economies - tourism. Simplistic solutions need to be fully thought through.

“Why not look at the business of carbon trading,” he suggested. “This has become a billion dollar business. How about taking a percentage of the commissions being made and putting it towards adaptation?”

Richard Hosier of the Global Environment Facility explained that his organisation had been working to remove barriers to energy efficient renewables projects. “We believe by removing barriers and creating the enabling environment for sustainable investments we have reduced a billion tons of CO2 emissions,” he stated.

Bernard Petit of the EC’s DG Development highlighted the importance of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali in December 2007: “With a view to the Bali meeting, the EU has proposed a reduction of 20 per cent in its emissions by 2020. In Bali everyone must assume their responsibility and work towards a joint reduction in emissions.”

Attached documents

• Background Note [pdf]

Speakers

• HOSIER Richard
• KONUKIEWITZ Manfred
• MARTENS Maria
• NNOLI-EDOZIEN Ndidi
• PAYET Rolph
• PETIT Bernard
• PLOUTAKHINA Marina
• SAKO Mahamadou
• SITARAM Anya
• SKYLAKAKIS Theodoros

Quote from EU Development Days

From: EU Development Days Conference Lisbon 7-9 Nov 2007

PAYET Rolph
   Special Advisor to the President of the Republic of Seychelles

08/11 “The technologies we need are all out there. Sometimes we are creating barriers by holding onto the patents to make private financial gain. We have to push harder to put these technologies into use. Photovoltaic cells have been around for 25 years. Why aren’t they mass produced and cheap

Seychelles University Foundation

Seychelles University Foundation - 05.11.2007

Source: Seychelles Nation

The chairman of the Seychelles University Foundation, Dr Rolph Payet, has released a brochure outlining the proposed institution’s mission, aspirations and how people can get involved with supporting it.

The brochure, which has been sent to all Seychelles diplomatic missions abroad, also talks about the university’s plans, saying it has already acquired two plots of land, one at Mont Fleuri and the other at Anse Royale.
Dr Payet said that it also states what rewards await those who support the initiative.

According to the publication, among the missions of the university is one to unlock the Seychellois potential for economic, sustainable and cultural growth by aligning education and human resource development to the long-term development strategies of Seychelles and to create a high profile environment for the life long learning, research and technological advancement through partnership with leading international institutions.

The core aspirations are to establish a university in Seychelles that will strive to create an innovation-learning environment relevant to the needs of the country.

“The University will be designed with a modern outlook to learning, discovery and innovation and be open to all levels of society, including grass roots individuals wishing to engage professional development and discovery while cultivating a commitment to the betterment of people within the community, thereby demonstrating a responsibility towards society as a whole.

Dr Payet said that Seychelles needs a university because human progress hinges on the development of universities, and currently, the cost of overseas graduate training restricts the number of potential Seychellois that can attend university.

“And also because the nation needs to embrace the concept of a knowledge based society. The university will serve as an engine for growth and development in Seychelles and drive Seychelles economic growth by developing its most important asset, its people.

“We also need one because the creation and retention of wealth underpins the future of Seychelles. The university will enable Seychellois to operate successfully at enhanced managerial and professional levels,” he said, quoting from the brochure.

The publication says that the university’s other aim is to initially focus on areas where Seychelles University can play a significant role in the development of Seychelles.

“Our focus in information technology will include high-level training to meet the country’s needs in areas of IT support and development, communications and emerging technologies, and to prepare for the development of knowledge services hub.

“Focus in Business and Finance will include business management, commerce, financial services, economics and business law aimed at achieving economic growth and performance, entrepreneurship and sustainable competitive advantage.

“In environment and fisheries, focus will include tropical eco-system conservation, restoration, coastal and marine ecosystem management, fisheries development, as well as emphasis on adaptation and resilience building to climate change,” it says.

With regard to education and knowledge, the brochure says that focus will be on the development of high quality teams of teachers to support the entire educational system, including the introduction of life-long learning concepts, knowledge management in early schooling, and development of a robust human resource base.

In tourism and events focus will include the development of senior managers and professionals for the entire tourism industry, with focus on quality services and products, as well as the promotion of the cultural and ecotourism aspects.

The government has offered two plots land on which to build the new university. It is also expected that a few existing buildings will also be converted to house certain faculties or facilities of the university. The main campus will be located at Anse Royale on a 27-hectare plot of land near the district administration offices.

In the first phase of construction a facility is proposed at the centre of existing learning facilities at Mont Fleuri. This modern building will be located on a 0.36 hectares of land between the Ministry of Education  and the National Institute of Education. The new facility will house the first faculties of the Seychelles University and its associated infrastructure. Preliminary artist impressions and design for the building are being prepared.

People who support the university will be rewarded thus:
For every donation given, which is below US $20,000 or equivalent in Seychelles Rupees (SR), each donor will automatically earn the title of “Friend of the Seychelles University Foundation” and a Certificate.

For every donation given, which exceeds US $20,000 (or equivalent in SR, or equal accumulated donation over three years) the donor will earn the title “Supporter of the Seychelles University Foundation,” and a Gold certificate.

For every donation of US $200,000 (or equivalent in SR) and above, the donor will be entitled to a personal portrait or portrait of choice in the Hall of Fame, and earn the title of “Supporter of the Seychelles University”.

For every donation of US $2,000,000 (or equivalent in SR) and above, the donor will have the choice of naming one of the university buildings, be entitled to a portrait in the Hall of Fame, and earn the title of “Co-founder of the Seychelles University.”

Seychelles associated with Nobel prize

Seychelles Nation - 22.10.2007
Seychelles has been closely associated with this year’s Nobel prize, through the presentation of the coveted accolade to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on which this country has a strong representation.

Dr Payet (left) and Mr Agricole have a share in the award

Dr Rolph Payet said this at State House on Friday, referring to IPCC’s joint recognition with former US Vice-President Al Gore who also got the award.

Dr Payet has been with the IPCC since 2001 and is now Lead Author, while Wills Agricole, another Seychellois, who joined the IPCC in 2006, is a Contributing Author.

“It is a remarkable testament to the dedication and commitment of the thousands of experts and participants who have produced the Panel's rigorous and comprehensive assessments of climate change research.

"This is an honour that goes to all the scientists and authors who have contributed to the work of the IPCC, which alone has resulted in enormous prestige for this organization and the remarkable effectiveness of the message that it contains," Dr Payet quoted IPCC chairman Rajendra Pachauri as saying.

"It is the most significant recognition that the IPCC has received for providing policymakers with objective and balanced information about the causes and impacts of climate change and possible response measures," said Renate Christ, the secretary of the IPCC.

Hundreds of authors from all regions of the planet have devoted an incredible amount of time and labour to writing and reviewing the reports. None of them has been paid for their time.

The IPCC assessments are based on peer-reviewed scientific and technical literature. The IPCC reports are written by teams of authors from all over the world who are recognized experts in their field. They represent relevant disciplines as well as differing scientific perspectives. This global coverage of expertise, the interdisciplinary nature of the IPCC team, and the transparency of the process, constitute the Panel's strongest assets.

Mr Pachauri said the honour makes each of the contributors a Nobel Laureate.
“I am sure you would agree with me that all of us should be appreciative of the support of and facilitation that we have received from all the governments that are part of the IPCC.

“The fact that the IPCC has earned the recognition that this award embodies, is really a tribute to your knowledge, hard work and application. Indeed the Co-Chairs of the Working Groups have a large measure of the credit that the award carries,” the IPCC chairman said in a letter to the contributors, expressing his “heartiest congratulations and deep thanks for your outstanding achievement.”

Seychelles, Sweden narrow ties on climate change, knowledge development and oceans management

Seychelles, Sweden narrow ties on climate change, knowledge development and oceans management - 09.10.2007

Source: Seychelles Nation

The Special Advisor to the President, Dr Rolph Payet, has been granted a special audience with His Majesty the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf, to discuss climate change issues, in particular the Sea Level Rise Foundation, as well as the Seychelles University and knowledge development.

This meeting follows the very close relationship that Seychelles has enjoyed with Sweden over the last 15 years in areas of environment, climate change and ocean issues. 

Both H.E. Ronny Jumeau, Seychelles’ Ambassador to the UN, and Dr Payet, were special guests of His Majesty in 2005 for the Royal Colloquium, which took them to the artic circle to discuss the long-range effects and implications of the melting artic. 

Sweden, a developed nation, features in the top ten of the UNDP human development index, has one of the most competitive economies in the world, and has a high level of knowledge penetration.

In Stockholm, Dr Payet is also expected to meet with key ministers in the Swedish Cabinet and government officials to discuss a number of issues including knowledge-based societies, the Seychelles University, and overseas regional cooperation, especially their role in advancing marine research and ocean governance in western Indian Ocean.  This is in the wake of recent findings that coral reefs and other marine species will continue to suffer from the changes in the climate as well as human pressure.

During the short visit to Sweden, Dr Payet will also attend the graduation ceremony of the World Maritime University, which is based in Malmo, a coastal city south of Sweden.

The World Maritime University, which is a leading tertiary institution in maritime affairs endorsed by the International Maritime Organisation, trains students from numerous maritime disciplines – including navigation, ocean trade, ocean law, maritime technology, marine pollution prevention and port development to meet the standards and demands of the industry. 

Dr Payet is also expected to meet with the President of the University to discuss the Seychelles University and other issues related to tertiary education in the maritime sector.  It is to be noted that several prominent maritime professionals in Seychelles have been trained at this University.

Climate change and sea level rise

Climate change and sea level rise - 01.10.2007

Source: Seychelles Nation

Seychelles among few taking action
Seychelles stands out among the few countries that are taking action against climate change and sea level rise, the special advisor for Environment at State House, Rolph Payet said on Friday.

He was speaking in an interview after returning from the First Global Island Partnership meeting held in Rome, where Seychelles President James Michel launched the Sea Level Foundation.

The foundation is a culmination of initial efforts spearheaded by Seychelles in a Small Islands Developing State (SIDS) meeting attended by former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan in Mauritius.

Dr Payet said that there has generally been a lot of talk but very little action, although some countries are now coming up with initiatives similar to those of Seychelles, where they are setting up protected areas.

When President Michel and Dr Payet were in Rome, the Head of State announced that over and above Seychelles’ many protected areas, part of Silhouette, this country’s third largest island, has become a national park.

In his interview, Dr Payet said that while it is known that sea level will inevitably rise since preventive measures, even if taken, will not produce immediate evasive effects, few countries are taking action to help cope with the expected aftermath.

Seychelles is in this respect, for example, taking into consideration the highest predicted new sea levels, and adjusted the height of newly reclaimed land accordingly.

A number of countries are in fact asking Seychelles for help in setting up various initiatives, Indonesia being one of them, as it sets up a coral protection strategy, Dr Payet said, adding that the move will involve other countries in what he called “the world’s coral reef centre.”

Further on sea level rise, Dr Payet said that there exists a need for more sensitization of partners in the island states, using modern technology particularly in the sharing of knowledge that is already available.

There is need for the creation of more programmes and greater involvement of decision makers at the highest possible level of leadership.

Dr Payet said that President Michel and himself had very productive discussions with key environment protection players in Rome, recalling that approval was granted for Seychelles’ US $3.6 million from the Global Environment Fund for mainstreaming biodiversity in development.

The funds will improve areas where better biodiversity will have a positive impact such as tourism, and the resources they depend on such as forests.

Delegates at the meeting were also very supportive of Seychelles’ plans to develop a university and were keen to help Seychelles set up especially the environment aspect of the institution.

President returns from Rome meeting

Seychelles Nation - 29.09.2007

President James A. Michel returned to the country yesterday morning after attending the First Global Island Partnership Strategy Meeting on climate change in Rome, Italy, this week.

The President delivered the keynote address at the meeting and announced the launching of the Sea Level Rise Foundation to galvanize global action to address the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet.

This foundation will pool resources and expertise to support small island states, islands and low lying areas in adapting to sea-level rise.

With the launching of the foundation, Seychelles continues to take the lead in leveraging international attention and focus on the impacts of climate change on islands.

President Michel also announced in his Rome speech that Seychelles would declare Silhouette, the third largest granitic island, a new national park.  It will be effectively managed for resilience to climate change.  Seychelles will have more than 50% of its land territory under formal protection.

It was President Michel and his homologue from the Pacific island of Palau who founded and launched the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) at a small island states meeting in January 2005.

President Michel was accompanied at the Rome meeting by his special adviser for environment, Dr Rolph Payet.

Seychellois attends Young Global Leaders Summit in China

Source: Seychelles Nation - 04.09.2007

Young Seychellois Global Leader, Dr Rolph Payet, who is also special advisor to the President, is attending the Young Global Leaders Summit taking place this week in Dalian, China.

Dr Payet was recognised as a Young Global Leader at the last World Economic Forum held in Davos in January 2007.
This is the first time that the summit is being organised in China, and it will be a good opportunity for Young Global leaders (YGLs) to learn from and connect to each other and also understand the growing global role of China.

The September 4 – 8 summit, which is being organised under the auspices of the World Economic Forum, has brought together over 250 YGLs from several Global 500 companies, blue chip companies, government and academics.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders is a unique, multistakeholder community of the world’s most extraordinary leaders who are 40 years old or younger and who dedicate a part of their time and energy to jointly work towards a better future.

This year's Summit – the first in Asia – will focus on the Future of Leadership. YGLs will discuss what will be required to be a truly effective global leader in the face of emerging trends and new challenges. The YGLs will then be tasked with creating a new leadership model for the future. It's Leadership for the 21st century – applied.

The Forum is organized into several task forces covering prevailing global issues such as development and poverty, governance and security, diversity, education, health and environment. Dr Payet is a member of the Environment and Development task force, but will also participate in the Education task force, in view of his new role as chairman of the Seychelles University Foundation.

Dr Payet will also attend a special event organized by the World Economic Forum – the inaugural annual meeting of the ‘New Champions’. This global initiative was recommended in January 2007, when world leaders convened in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting entitled "The Shifting Power Equation." Discussions which focused on the changing business landscape -- the growing prominence of emerging economies, the increasing power of individuals and small groups over large institutions and the stronger role of consumers over producers -- led the Davos group to recognize that a new class of leaders and innovators – the New Champions – have emerged and that they are re-shaping business and transforming society.

The World Economic Forum is now using its unrivalled history of partnership with the Chinese government and industry to create a powerful platform for interaction and cooperation between traditional and new actors, between East and West.

These ‘New Champions’ will include CEOs of the next generation of companies positioned to become the industry leaders of tomorrow; CEOs, who lead the world's most influential global corporations today and technology pioneers.

They will be joined by representatives of government, Mayors of the world’s most competitive cities, Governors from the world’s fastest growing regions and states, leaders of the Web 2.0 world and the Community of Young Global Leaders.
It is expected that over 1,700 leaders will attend this event.

Seychelles University Foundation logo launched

Source: Seychelles Nation - 01.09.2007
The chairman of the Seychelles University Foundation, Dr Rolph Payet, yesterday unveiled the logo for the foundation during a short ceremony held at State House, in the presence of members of the foundation.

Also present were the artists who designed the logo, Allen Commetant and Alex Bibi.
Dr Payet described the logo as the identity of the foundation that represents the aspiration and vision of the country to move towards a knowledge-based society.

He said that the logo will be used at all the promotional and fund raising activities of the foundation, and also feature on their brochures and web site.

Saying that the logo is significant and profound, the chairman said that it features a leaf which represents Seychelles’ natural heritage and the need to preserve it.

“It also represents a high-flying nation – flying in the wind, to achieve our fullest potential, and at the same time remain anchored in the tree, not forgetting where our nation comes from,” he said, adding that the leaf also represents a hand holding the nation together, with the flag as a symbol of the country’s national unity and progress.

“The drop of water signifies life – the life of our young people and their future. It also represents the sea, our biggest resource and potential,” Dr Payet said.

He added that the islands are Seychelles’ most fragile and precious asset and that there is need to cultivate a culture of learning so that young Seychellois will grow up to care for, and appreciate the country.

“The Seychelles University Foundation represents the ambition to take our country forward, to stand out in a globalised world, to enable our nation to achieve its full potential, and to provide an opportunity for positive thinking and life-long learning,” he said, thanking Mr Commetant for working on the design, and Mr Bibi for assisting with the production of the logo.

Seychellois at forefront in charting global oceans agenda for next decade

Source: Seychelles Nation - 27.08.2007

Dr Rolph Payet, Special Advisor to the President, has been invited to serve on the Steering Committee of the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands, a communique from his office has announced.

In line with this invitation, Dr Payet has also agreed to chair a Special Working Group on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) primarily to advance the ocean and marine global agenda. 

Dr Payet will work with a number of working group leaders, notably Ambassador Ronny Jumeau (Seychelles’ UN Permanent Representative in New York), Dr Angus Friday (Chairman of the Alliance of Small island states), Ms Diane Quarless (Chief of the Small Island States Unit in the United Nations), Ambassador Jagdish Koojul (former Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States, from Mauritius), among others.

The purpose of these working groups, organised under the umbrella of the Global Forum for Oceans, Coasts and Islands, is to chart the global oceans agenda over the next ten year period.

The working groups, which include government, NGO and private sector representatives from all over the world, will cover issues such as marine ecosystem health, coastal and ocean management, small island states, fisheries, maritime security and climate change.

The Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands was mobilised in 2001 to help the world’s governments address issues related to oceans, coasts and islands, especially on the agenda of the World Summit on Sustainable Development which was held in Johannesburg in 2002.

It is to be recalled that Ambassador Jumeau, Dr Rolph Payet and Mr Peter Sinon (in their previous capacities) led a number of initiatives and negotiations at this important global meeting.
The Global Forum will organise its next global summit in 2008 in Vietnam, where it is expected to adopt this 10-year global strategic plan.

The working groups are expected to consider policy issues at stake, evaluate major constraints and obstacles, consider strategic opportunities and issue global policy briefs, and eventually a global report for consideration in upcoming international meetings, in particular the upcoming 2008 Vietnam Global Oceans Conference and the 2009 Indonesia World Ocean Conference.

Dr Rolph Payet to attend world waters conference in Cape Town

Source: Seychelles Nation - 30.07.2007

Dr Rolph Payet, Special Advisor to the President, will be attending the Fourth International Waters Conference at the invitation of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The meeting, to be held from July 30 to August 3 in Cape Town, South Africa, will involve various interactive sessions, in which Dr Payet is expected to make presentations as an expert, and in others act as chair and facilitator.

Organised by the GEF and its implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP, and the World Bank), the conference is aimed at bringing together experts and policy-makers to share experiences and innovative practices among GEF's global International Waters portfolio which exceeds nearly 4 billion dollars. This meeting, which is by invitation only, will have participants coming from over 100 countries.

In a keynote presentation to be delivered by Dr Payet, he will focus on ocean research and governance, an area which he has been researching for several years.

In a 2005 paper that was published by the prestigious journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, Dr Payet proposed that the Mascarene Plateau should be recognised as a Large Marine Ecosystem. In simple terms, a large marine ecosystem is a geographic area of the ocean with distinct characteristics and ecosystems.

Dr Payet, further proposed that based upon a number of recent scientific findings, the Mascarene Plateau's Large Marine Ecosystem, which runs from the Mahe plateau all the way to Mauritius, should be considered as a distinct large marine ecosystem, with unique characteristics in terms of ecosystems diversity, productivity, fisheries and role in climate regulation.

Indeed, recent research undertaken by British and French scientists under the auspices of the Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology have re-enforced this argument, Dr Payet noted.

To allow for further research, the GEF earlier this year approved a US $31 million regional project aimed at improving our understanding of two other large marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean, namely the Agulhas current (in the Mozambique channel) and the Somali current. Part of the funds will also go towards activities to further explore the Mascarene Plateau, and Dr Payet will be leading discussions on how Seychelles can continue to play an active role and benefit from this project.

National Economic Planning Council

Seychelles Nation - 28.07.2007
President appoints additional members to broaden consultation process
President James A Michel has appointed two additional members on the National Economic Planning Council (NEPC) to broaden the consultation process on the national economy, investment and business.

The new members are Dr Rolph Payet, special adviser President’s Office, and Mr Albert Payet, chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

The President said in making the new appointments: “With the implementation of major policy changes in the last few years, Seychelles has experienced a significant increase in investor confidence resulting in greater diversification of economic activities. The expertise and experience of the new members will further enhance the country’s economic potential”.

The President set up the NEPC last year to become the central forum for discussing economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations. It provides policy guidance and recommendations to the authorities on economic and related issues in order to achieve stable growth consistent with the pursuit of sustainable socio-economic development, and attain the highest possible level of employment, and a fair distribution of income.

The enlargement of the NEPC comes in the wake of the meeting the President had with members of the SCCI on Monday. After the meeting SCCI’s secretary, Mr Bernard Pool, declared that the government was now more friendly to business than before.

The full composition of the NEOC is as follows:

President J Michel   
(Chairman)

Vice-President J Belmont 

Mr Danny Faure   
Minister for Finance

Mr Jacquelin Dugasse  
Minister for National Development

Mr Francis Chang Leng  
Governor Central Bank of Seychelles

Capt David Savy   
Chief Executive Officer, Air Seychelles

Capt Guy Adam   
Chief Executive Officer, SEYPEC

Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne 
Chief Executive Officer, STB

Mr Rolph Payet   
Special Adviser, President Office

Mr Jean Weeling-Lee  
Private Sector Representative

Mr John Esther   
Private Sector Representative

Mr Albert Payet   
SCCI chairman

Mr Ho Kwon Ping   
Banyan Tree Holdings Limited chairman

Mr Adolfo Valescchi  
Chief Executive Officer, MW Brands

Miss Caroline Abel  
Council Secretary

Beach erosion, disaster plan top priorities in tsunami aftermath

Source: Seychelles Nation - 17.02.2005
Tackling the problems of beach erosion and establishing an early warning system and disaster management plan should be Seychelles’ main environmental priorities following the December 26 tsunami, scientists have said.

A team from the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep), in Seychelles to study the environmental impacts of the disaster, highlighted problematic erosion at Anse Kerlan on Praslin and 25 other hotspots of beach erosion around Seychelles that were worsened by the tidal waves.

The Unep team, led by biodiversity specialist Mark Collins, studied the effects of the tsunami on coral reefs, beaches and other aspects of the environment during the past week. The mission was drawn up after discussions between Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Ronny Jumeau and Unep director Klaus Toepfer at last month’s small islands meeting in Mauritius.

Presenting the preliminary findings recently to a panel of environment officials including the minister, Mr Collins said that in addition to some coastlines needing to be stabilised, increased capacity within some of the country’s scientific bodies would be required to improve monitoring and put in place an early warning system.

The Unep team also confirmed that reefs in Seychelles had been affected, this on top of the 1998 bleaching event that had killed most of the corals in the first place.

Mr Collins stressed the importance of “integrated management across all ecosystems,” saying that activities in mountains, forests and wetlands could eventually be felt on the coasts and even on the reefs.

December’s tsunami, he added, also showed the importance of beach vegetation and reefs in absorbing the impact of rising waters. This is especially important in places like Anse Kerlan, where beachside properties and homes have been at risk, Mr Collins said.

Unep estimates the initial stabilisation of Anse Kerlan, as well as setting up the early warning system and capacity building programmes for staff, would amount to some R23,100,000. Another 20-40 million Euros might be needed to stabilise the remaining 25 erosion hotspots, but Mr Collins said an alternative but much more patient route would be “to let nature take its course.”

He did say, however, that proposals for assistance from Seychelles, given that its current environmental capacity was ahead of many countries, would most likely be well received by Unep and the international scientific community.

After the presentation, environment principal secretary Rolph Payet indicated that the ministry would be working with Unep and potential funding bodies like the Indian Ocean Commission and the Global Environment Facility to help implement the plan.

Bilateral talks are also being held for more assistance, as both the Netherlands and Australia have expressed interest in future environment initiatives in Seychelles.

The erosion problems at Anse Kerlan are expected to be a priority, but despite public pressure for a quick fix Mr Payet said that the ministry would be looking for a long-term solution with overseas assistance.

“We need to get it right,” he said, adding that some temporary measures may worsen the situation in the long run.

An early warning system, which Unep said should involve tidal gauge stations and sea buoys, is also in the cards along with measures to strengthen the Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology – Marine Parks Authority and the National Meteorological Services.

Mr Payet suggested that Seychelles would not wait for a regional early warning system to be put in place before developing its own, although the country would gladly participate in any such system as soon as it is established. “We’re not waiting for anyone. We can’t bank on any one's initiative.”

Another recommendation from the Unep team – raising awareness about some of the issues brought up by the tsunami, like clearing coastal vegetation and the importance of wetlands – would also be emphasised by the ministry this year, he added.

The young and charismatic Dr. Rolph Payet

Article from: Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly February 2, 2007

The World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland, has chosen the Principal Secretary for Environment as a Young Global Leader. This adds to Dr. Payet’s many accolades. Lest we forget, the young and charismatic Dr. Rolph Payet is the youngest member of the Central Committee of the SPPF ruling party. He has done Seychelles proud and Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly takes this opportunity to extend its congratulations to Dr. Payet. Dr. Payet certainly has the ability and qualification to lead the Ministry one day and is responsible for single-handedly putting Seychelles on the world map where environment issues are concerned. Well done Rolph!.

Conférence de Paris pour une gouvernance écologique mondiale

Source: Seychelles Nation- 01.02.2007

Dr Rolph Payet représente les Seychelles
Dr Rolph Payet, secrétaire principal du Département de l'Environnement au Ministère de l'Environnement et des Ressources naturelles est en route pour Paris pour participer, du 2 au 3 février, à la Conférence pour une gouvernance écologique mondiale baptisée "Citoyens de la terre".

Dr Payet doit sa participation au Président Jacques Chirac, qui a invité à cette conférence près de 150 hautes personnalités internationales qui ont montré leur détermination à agir pour protéger l'environnement.

Les participants qui sont des experts, des scientifiques, des chefs d'entreprises et d'associations de défense de l'environnement viennent d'une soixantaine de pays.

Mardi, une petite cérémonie s'est déroulée dans les locaux de l'ambassade de France, à La Ciotat, où l'ambassadeur son excellence Monsieur Michel Trétout a présenté au haut-cadre seychellois sa lettre d’invitation, son programme de séjour et un billet allez – retour Mahé Paris.

Monsieur Trétout s'est dit "heureux et fier que les Seychelles soient représentés à ce grand événement", et Dr Payet a remercié la France et son président pour l'honneur qui lui est fait de représenter les Seychelles à un si grand forum".

A noter que la Conférence pour une gouvernance écologique mondiale se tient dans la foulée de la réunion intergouvernementale du groupe d’experts sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) qui se déroule depuis le début de la semaine à Paris.

Un communiqué de l’ambassade de France indique que l’invitation du Docteur Payet à Paris s’inscrit dans l’excellent climat de collaboration qui prévaut entre la France et les Seychelles tout particulièrement dans le domaine de l’environnement.

"La France met un point d’honneur à développer dans notre pays toujours plus de projet dans ce secteur phare et les Seychelles, fortes de leur expérience, offrent une vision toujours plus innovante dans la manière de gérer l’environnement", ajoute le communiqué.

Seychellois chosen as Young Global Leader

Source: Seychelles Nation - 29.01.2007
Environment principal secretary Rolph Payet has been chosen as a Young Global Leader 2007 by the World Economic Forum.

The Forum is a Geneva-based independent international organization of world leaders from the public, private and non-governmental sectors committed to improving the state of the world.  It meets in Davos, Switzerland, every year to address global issues, engaging particularly its corporate members in global citizenship.

Every year the Forum recognizes and acknowledges the top 250 young leaders – all aged 40 or younger -- from around the world.

Professor Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, told Dr Payet in a letter he had been chosen “in recognition of your record of accomplishments, your commitment to society and your potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world”.

Commenting on his nomination, Dr Payet said: “The announcement has made me realize that as an islander, I can make a difference globally.

“Islands face a spectrum of threats today and tomorrow, and while our present and future generations will continue to strive to preserve the paradise we live in, the hope for the future of islanders appears bleak with the looming threats of climate change and biodiversity loss”.

Dr Payet said he would use his appointment to bring island issues to the attention of world economic leaders. He said that the Global Island Partnership initiated by President James Michel and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the Mauritius International Meeting on Small Island States in January 2005 would serve as his strategic platform to bring the plight of the islands of the world.

Drawn from a pool of over 4000 candidates, the Young Global Leaders nominated in 2007 have been chosen by a committee of 34 eminent international media leaders.  The list includes 125 business leaders, as well as leaders from governments, academia, media and society at large from nearly 70 countries.

They join the Forum of Young Global Leaders which currently comprises 416 members from 90 countries.

Established in 2004 by Prof. Schwab, the Forum of Young Global Leaders is, according to a press release from the World Economic Forum, “a unique, multistakeholder community of the world’s most extraordinary young leaders who dedicate a part of their time to jointly address global challenges and who are committed to devote part of their knowledge and energy to collectively work towards a better future”.

Prof. Schwab added: “Confronting and tackling global challenges will require fresh, strategic thinking from global leaders, as well as innovative and truly international solutions based on global collaboration.  This is why I created The Forum of Young Global Leaders – to be a voice for the future in global thought processes… Together they form a powerful international force for the global common good.