VICTORIA: On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, the Minister for Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources, Marie-May Jérémie, has underscored the critical role that the nation’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems play in ensuring long-term national prosperity. Describing Seychelles’ forests as “ecological treasures,” the Minister linked environmental health directly to economic resilience.
The theme for the 2026 observance, “Forests and Innovation,” served as a backdrop for the Minister’s call to integrate natural resource management into the country’s broader economic planning.
The Carbon Economy and Climate Regulation
A central point of the Minister’s address was the quantifiable economic value of the nation’s mangrove forests. Seychelles currently possesses approximately 2,000 hectares of mangroves, which are estimated to store over 600,000 tonnes of organic carbon.
This capacity for carbon sequestration is increasingly viewed not just as an environmental service, but as a strategic asset in the global “Blue and Green” economy. Minister Jérémie noted that by protecting these carbon sinks, Seychelles contributes significantly to global climate regulation while safeguarding its own coastal infrastructure from the impacts of erosion and rising sea levels—avoiding costs that would otherwise fall on the national budget.
Biodiversity as a Tourism Asset
Beyond carbon storage, the Minister highlighted the role of endemic forests in supporting the tourism industry. The unique biodiversity found in protected areas across the islands acts as a primary draw for high-value eco-tourism.
“Our forests provide the aesthetic and biological foundation upon which our tourism brand is built,” Minister Jérémie stated. “To invest in the protection of our endemic species is to invest in the sustainability of our primary economic sector.”
Challenges of Innovation and Stewardship
While celebrating the nation’s “green lungs,” the Minister also addressed the persistent threats to forest health, including invasive species and the pressures of land development. She emphasized that the transition to a sustainable economy requires a shift in perspective—recognizing that natural resources are the very infrastructure that makes development possible.
The Ministry is currently prioritizing projects related to conservation and climate change, with a 2026 budget allocation that reflects a significant increase in funding for environmental protection and sustainable management.
“Every hectare of forest we preserve is a contribution to our national wealth,” she said. “On this International Day of Forests, let us recommit to the innovation and protection required to keep our islands green and our economy growing.”
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