On Thursday 19 March 2026, a delegation led by the Regional Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), Mr. Luther Anukur Bois, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.
The purpose of the visit was to explore avenues to further strengthen collaboration between Seychelles and IUCN at the national, regional, and multilateral levels. During the meeting, IUCN commended Seychelles for its continued leadership in conservation, notably its recent achievement as the first country in Africa to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
They also exchanged views on enhancing Seychelles’ engagement in climate change and environment-related forums, while exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration in key areas such as biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and the Blue Economy. In addition, discussions highlighted the importance increased advocacy for policies such as the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), that would improve access to financing for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as Seychelles.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to a strengthened and sustained partnership moving forward, grounded in shared priorities of environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
