University of Seychelles Hosts Symposium on Endemic Amphibians and Reptiles

Chief Creator

1 year ago

The Office of the President has today announced the appointment of Dr Bernard Valentin as Chairperson of the University of Seychelles Council, effective 24th March 2026, for a period of three (3) years. Dr Valentin brings to this role a distinguished record of public health leadership and national service. He currently serves as Special Advisor to the Minister for Health and has over a decade of experience as Principal Secretary for Health, having held the position across two terms from 2011 to 2012 and from 2016 to 2025. During his tenure, he provided executive oversight to the National Institute of Health and Social Studies, contributing significantly to the strengthening of academic programmes and institutional development. His leadership experience spans multiple national bodies. Dr Valentin is currently Chairperson of the Seychelles Medical and Dental Council and also chairs the non-governmental organisation Patient Solidarity. Since 2018, he has served as a member of the Seychelles Qualifications Authority and previously sat on the University of Seychelles Council between 2016 and 2018. At the international level, he represented Seychelles on the Executive Board of the World Health Organisation for three years, reflecting his engagement in global health governance. Dr Valentin holds a medical degree from the University of Athens and a Master of Arts in Health Services Management with distinction from the University of Manchester. He also holds a combined diploma in Epidemiology, Statistics and Management from the University of Nairobi, as well as a Diploma in Addiction Studies from the University of Reunion. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr Valentin has contributed to academic research, including coordinating the Seychelles component of an international study in collaboration with Lund University and the University of Rochester on the long-term public health effects of heavy metals on specific population groups. He has also co-authored a peer-reviewed article in the field of public health. Beyond his medical and policy career, Dr Valentin is an accomplished literary figure and a two-time laureate of the Antoine Abel Prize, Seychelles’ highest literary honour. Fluent in English, French, Greek, and Creole, he brings a unique combination of clinical expertise, administrative leadership, and cultural depth to the role. The Government welcomes Dr Valentin’s appointment and is confident that his extensive experience and leadership will contribute to the continued growth and strengthening of the University of Seychelles as a centre of academic excellence.

VICTORIA, Seychelles — The University of Seychelles, in collaboration with the Island Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, hosted a one-day symposium at UniSey’s Anse Royale campus yesterday to showcase ongoing efforts to monitor and protect Seychelles’ endemic amphibians and reptiles.

The event brought together experts and conservation practitioners to discuss the current state of the islands’ endemic herpetofauna, a group that includes some of the rarest species in the Indian Ocean. Presentations covered population monitoring, threats from invasive species, and the role of habitat restoration in stabilising fragile populations.

Organisers said the symposium was an important step in coordinating research between the university, government agencies and international conservation partners. A full set of recommendations from the symposium is expected to be published in the coming weeks and shared with the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment for consideration in future biodiversity policy.