Seychellois wins Global Oceans Award

Seychelles Nation - 10.04.2008

Dr Rolph Payet, special adviser in the Office of the President, has been given the Global Oceans Award for his work to advance issues relating to oceans worldwide.

He was honoured at a reception of the 4th Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands in Hanoi, Vietnam, which ends today.

The award recognises Dr Payet’s contribution to the global oceans agenda and the work of the oceans conference. It is further evidence of the work and impact Seychelles is having at international level in promoting oceans issues.

For many years Dr Payet has led key regional and international initiatives and now has several international responsibilities related to the oceans. The award comes at a time when the Small Island Developing States are adapting to sea-level rise as a result of climate change.

At the Hanoi conference Dr Payet led a high-level session – themed the oceans, climate change and small island states – which saw the historic participation of the first, former and current chairmen of the Alliance of Small Island States. The session, which kicked off soon after the delivery of President James Michel’s keynote address by video, set the tone for the rest of the conference.

The conference has reached several important milestones in pushing the islands and oceans agenda, in particular strengthening financial mechanisms for adaptation to climate change.

Stress was also laid on capacity building, including strengthening the role of universities in addressing some of the challenges and exploring innovative approaches to managing coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.