Victoria, Seychelles – The Landscape and Waste Management Agency, in partnership with the Office of the Mayor of Victoria, hosted a commemorative tree-planting ceremony yesterday morning to mark the nation’s 50th Independence Jubilee, gracing the event with both symbolism and environmental purpose.
President Patrick Herminie, Vice-President Sebastien Pillay, Minister for Tourism and Culture Amanda Bernstein, Mayor of Victoria Josy Michaud-Payette, along with dignitaries, students and community representatives participated in the planting of 50 trees, each symbolising a year of independence.
The initiative sought to enhance Victoria’s urban landscape while reinforcing national commitments to environmental sustainability and community beautification. Planting took place across five zones: Latanier Road near ICCS (five trees), National Library Esplanade (eight trees), Constitution Avenue (two trees), Manglier Street near Caravel House and the former Tobruk Club (three trees), and Ile Perseverance (32 trees).
Endemic species prioritised. The mix included endemic and fruit trees such as Bwa Merl, Acacia, Bilenbi Maron, Bwa Gro Lap, Bonnen Kare, Bwa Sagay, Bwa Sandal, guava, grenad, korsol, rousay and zat. LWMA Chief Executive Shane Emilie explained that the agency, as part of the national committee coordinating Jubilee activities, collaborated with the Mayor’s Office to lead the initiative.
“Since LWMA is responsible for beautification and landscaping, we felt tree planting was a meaningful way to celebrate while promoting sustainability,” he said. Emilie emphasized that endemic species were deliberately chosen because they are well adapted to the local environment and vital for maintaining biodiversity. He noted that the project not only improves the town’s appearance but also preserves Seychelles’ natural heritage for future generations.
Speaking on the symbolic coco de mer, Emilie described it as a living emblem of Seychelles’ identity: its roots representing history and culture, the trunk symbolising stability and strength, and the branches and leaves reflecting progress, opportunity and the wellbeing of the Seychellois people.
The initiative stands as a lasting tribute to 50 years of independence while inspiring greater environmental stewardship and pride in the nation’s heritage. What it also represents, less symbolically, is an acknowledgment that independence anniversaries need not only be about parades and speeches. Planting 50 trees that will outlive the celebrations themselves may prove the more enduring legacy.
