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.
