Seychelles Delegation Highlights Climate Action at Indian Ocean Youth Assembly
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles delegation has put forward several initiatives at the Assembly of Youth of the Indian Ocean, organised as part of the 13th CJSOI Games, highlighting the vulnerability of the archipelago to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The delegation underscored the crucial role of young people in environmental protection, given that 41 percent of the country’s population is under 30.
The delegation highlighted several successful local initiatives, including the removal of 10 tonnes of plastic from the Aldabra Atoll, followed by the Plastic Odyssey expedition which aims to remove 500 more tonnes. Organisations such as the Marine Conservation Society and the Wildlife Clubs of Seychelles were cited for actively involving young people in clean-up campaigns, environmental education programmes and coral restoration efforts.
The young people also addressed the environmental impact of major events, citing the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, and proposed eco-responsible solutions. They advocated for the reduction of carbon footprint, sustainable waste management and the preservation of unique natural sites such as Aldabra, recalling that the ocean is a shared heritage that must be protected for future generations. The Seychellois delegation also shared a vision of the archipelago in 2050, emphasising the urgency of climate action and the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future.
