Seychelles Strengthens Hazardous Waste Management with New Digital Tracking System
VICTORIA, Seychelles — As part of ongoing efforts to enhance hazardous waste management in Seychelles, a three-day workshop on the use of a newly established online hazardous waste generator database is being conducted by the Island project at the Coral Strand Hotel. The training brings together government officers and private sector representatives who play a critical role in the generation, monitoring and management of hazardous materials.
The system provides them with the ability to register and track hazardous waste generators across the country, improve compliance with environmental legislation and international conventions, and strengthen decision-making for government and regulators. The principal secretary for environment, Denis Matatiken, said the training is about more than just learning a new system: ‘It is about responding to the very real challenges faced by small island developing states in line with Seychelles’ commitment to environmentally sound chemical and waste management.’
Furthermore, the establishment of the database represents a key milestone under component 2.3 of the project, the safe management and disposal of existing chemicals, products and materials. The database also brings important practical benefits for waste management in Seychelles. It will transform the way information is captured and shared, turning fragmented records into a single, accessible platform that supports efficient, transparent, and accountable waste management. The initiative falls under activity 1.1.4.1.1 of the Island Project, a component of the Indian Ocean Regional Project implemented by UNDP. Implemented in four small island developing states — the Union of Comoros, the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles — the project also aims to prevent the future build-up of materials and chemicals containing persistent organic pollutants, mercury and other harmful substances. The database was developed by Databytes Consultancy Pty Ltd and is designed to serve as a national tool for the registration, tracking, reporting and monitoring of hazardous waste generators.
