President Michel at world food security summit

Seychelles Nation - 16.11.2009
President James Michel has been invited to address the World Food Security Summit at the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation headquarters in Rome, Italy which will be held from today to November 18.

The President will speak before the summit about Seychelles’ food security concerns, the effect of climate change on agriculture and availability of arable land as well as the impact of piracy on the fishing industry.

“In the run up to Copehangen, the lack of progress towards a legally-binding agreement for the Copenhagen summit has underlined the needs of Small Island Developing States to continue to press the developed world to address climate change as a matter of urgency,” a communiqué from State House quoted President Michel as saying.

Speaking soon after he ended a visit to Les Mamelles on Saturday morning, hours before leaving for Rome, Mr Michel told journalists that representing Seychelles at the World Food Summit is another opportunity to call the world’s attention to the concerns of Seychelles and other small island states.

“As President I feel it is my duty to represent Seychelles at the highest level at this important summit and champion the cause of small island states,” said Mr Michel.

He said it is the only way to get the attention and support of industrialised countries.

Noting that climate change impacts heavily and alarmingly on many countries’ food production, more particularly that of small island states like ours, Mr Michel said the world has to know that we need help to innovate and keep on producing to maintain our food security.

More than 60 world leaders are expected at the Rome summit, including Pope Benedict XVI.
The President’s delegation includes Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Transport Joel Morgan, and Special Adviser for Environment Dr Rolph Payet.

Following his visit to Rome, the President has also been invited as a guest of honour to the Lebanon 2020 National Summit in Beirut. President Michel has been asked to share the experiences of Seychelles in sustainable development and environmental protection policies, and will be a keynote speaker at the summit.