Island Conservation Society Delegation Pays Courtesy Visit to President Herminie
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Island Conservation Society President Patrick Herminie welcomed a delegation from the conservation organisation at State House yesterday morning. Led by its chairperson Adrian Skerrett, the delegation briefed the President on ICS’s conservation work and future plans for the nation’s island ecosystems.
The visit represents a significant engagement between government and civil society in addressing environmental protection priorities. Founded in 2001, ICS is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of island ecosystems in Seychelles, with a strong focus on sustainable development through science, education, and community engagement. The Society currently manages conservation programmes on eight islands.
ICS’s work includes invasive species eradication, native species reintroductions, and contributions to national initiatives such as the Seychelles Seabird Census. The Society operates conservation programmes on Aride, Silhouette, Alphonse, Desroches, Farquhar, Cosmoledo, Astove, and Île Platte islands. With the exception of Aride Island, all of these islands are managed by the Islands Development Company in partnership with ICS.
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, Mr Skerrett reflected on the organisation’s humble beginnings, noting that ICS started with no funding, no staff, and no premises. Today, it has grown into a successful institution actively involved in the conservation of the outer islands, operating from its headquarters at the Island Conservation Centre at Pointe Larue, Mahé, where it employs 40 staff members.
Mr Skerrett explained that the inspiration for ICS came from the absence of organisations dedicated to conservation on the outer islands. Looking ahead, ICS plans to establish additional conservation centres on islands currently without such facilities, including Assomption and Poivre. The delegation included Norman Weber, Jean-Paul D’Offay, Greg Berke, Emma Mederic, and Pat Matyot, with Minister Marie-May Jeremie also in attendance.
The Island Conservation Society President engagement demonstrates continued government support for environmental stewardship.
📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc
